Digital Commons Network^™

Experiences In Online Grooming From Initial Contact With Offender To Relationship Ending, Lyniece Lewis

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This study explored the lived experiences of adult women who were sexually groomed online as an adolescent, to understand the experiences in online grooming from initial contact to contact ending. The theory used to guide this study was sociometer theory. Sociometer theory looks at self-esteem as the cause for why individuals want to seek and maintain relationships. This theory also explains why individuals choose certain social relationships. While the victim or the offender may have a fear of acceptance, they will potentially look for relationships that accept or approve of them. The research question for this study examined female adolescent …

Factors Affecting Seatbelt Use Among The Deaf And Hard-Of-Hearing, Deidre G. Mott

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

In the United States, despite the proven significant economic, health, and social benefits of seatbelt use, millions of Americans do not use seatbelts. It is known that some factors, including obesity, reduce the rates of seatbelt use; however, a lack of research exists regarding whether individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing (HOH) have different rates of seatbelt use. The purpose of this study was to examine the difference in seatbelt use between deaf or HOH individuals and hearing individuals after adjusting for individual-level factors (BMI, marital status, education, and access to health care). The theoretical foundation for this study was …

Parental Supervision And Monitoring And Deviant Adolescent Behavior, Mary Catherine Ross-Gray

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Deviant adolescent behavior is a social crisis in the United States, estimated at an annual cost of over $4 billion; yet there are gaps in the research on parental influences regarding this behavior. In this study, the principles of social learning theory were used to examine the relationships between parental supervision and deviant adolescent behavior as moderated by self-control and socioeconomic status. The population for this quantitative study consisted of 87 parent volunteers who completed surveys measuring parent supervision, child executive functioning, and delinquent behavior as well as demographic information such as socioeconomic status. Multiple Regression/Correlation was used to examine …

Personality, Job Satisfaction, And Turnover In Long-Term Care Nursing Assistants, Sarah Elizabeth Shanks

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

There is a clear association between nursing assistant (NA) turnover and resident outcomes which may be caused by poor compensation, organizational culture, and staffing mix. However, very limited literature is available exploring intrinsic variables of NAs, specifically personality, leading to turnover. Guided by the five-factor personality theory and Herzberg’s two-factor motivation hygiene theory, the purpose of this quantitative study was to examine the relationship between the five-factor personality traits of open-mindedness, conscientiousness, agreeableness, extraversion, and neuroticism; length of employment; and job satisfaction among NAs working in long-term care. The Nursing Home Certified Nursing Assistant Job Satisfaction Questionnaire was used to …

Bioterrorism: Exploring Factors For Improving Nurse Preparedness, Policies, And Practices, Leone Okey Tom-James

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Ebola virus release/attack in New Jersey could go unnoticed but have immediate and long-lasting effects on the broader population and security. The risk underscores the need to prepare and enhance the state’s efforts to deal with a release and treat the confirmed cases. This descriptive single case research explored factors for improving nurses’ preparedness, policies, and practices for a bioterrorism release/attack. The epidemiological triangle conceptual framework was used descriptively in exploring, and developing a knowledge base of Ebola virus pathogenicity, characteristics, routes of transmission, and infection. The unit of analysis was Summit Ridge Genesis Healthcare Center. The theory of robust …

Social Cognitive Theory Constructs That Predict Betel Nut Chewing Among Secondary Students, Lepani Waqatakirewa

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

After alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine, areca or betel nut is the 4th most common substance of abuse in the world, and its prevalence of use in the Solomon Islands is estimated at 68% in young people. Long-term use of betel nut can result in detrimental health outcomes such as oral cancers and metabolic syndrome. Guided by the social cognitive theory (SCT), the purpose of this quantitative cross-sectional study was to determine whether the constructs of SCT predict betel nut use in Year 12 secondary students in the Solomon Islands. Five SCT constructs of expectations (outcome expectations and outcome expectancies), self-efficacy, …

Development Strategies For Privately Owned Fashion Boutiques, Tommy White Jr

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Abstract

Many privately owned brick-and-mortar fashion boutiques in the United States fail to succeed beyond the first 5 years of business. The knowledge of the factors responsible for the decline in the survival rate of traditional or brick-and-mortar fashion boutiques may be essential to these entrepreneurs’ survival. Grounded in the general systems theory, the purpose of this qualitative multiple case study was to explore strategies used by successful brick-and-mortar fashion boutique owners to negate the threat of online retailers. Data were collected through interviews with 5 brick-and-mortar fashion boutique owners, who operated businesses in the southeast region of the United …

Treatment Providers’ Perceptions Of Effective Sexual Offender Treatment Modalities, Reta Alphin

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The treatment of sex offenders is a controversial public policy issue, yet the research on what treatment providers perceive to be effective treatment modalities is limited. Using von Bertalanffy’s systems theory as the theoretical foundation, the purpose of this quantitative study was to examine and evaluate the treatment providers’ perceptions of effective treatment modalities. Data were collected from 101 treatment providers located within 6 states in the Midwest through a researcher developed survey. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistical analysis. A total of 55 treatment modalities were examined, which were condensed into 5 categories. Findings indicated that the psychoeducational modality …

Predictors Of The Health Effects Of Marijuana Use On The Hepatic Function, Makafui Kokou Gbogbo

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The quantity of marijuana use, the length of time it was used, and the age of initiation of the drug are at the core of the discussions about the potential health effects of marijuana use on the liver. Results of recent studies regarding how the drug affects human health have resulted in a number of conflicting conclusions. Nevertheless, based on these findings, marijuana users are being denied liver transplants. The objective of this study was to identify predictors of the health effects of marijuana on the liver and provide guidance in the care management of marijuana users. To address the …

The Association Of Romance Movies, Gender, And Relational Identity Among Emerging Adults, Sara Hare

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Emerging adults are motivated to form intimate relationships and explore their relational identity. Little is known, however, about the development of relational identity in emerging adults. Given that external influences such as movies can impact how people view relationships, and that emerging adults are more likely to watch movies than other forms of media, it is essential to explore the relationship between movies and relational identity in emerging adults. The purpose of this quantitative, nonexperimental study was to examine the relationship between relational identity, gender, and the preference for romance movies among emerging adults. The theoretical foundations for the study …

Factors Associated With Steady Employment Among Felons, Rosalind Holley

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Research has shown that a felony conviction record negatively impacts an individual’s employment prospects. Although stable employment has been shown to reduce recidivism, the stigma associated with being labeled a felon is a significant barrier to employment for this population. This phenomenological study, guided by Roy’s adaptation model, labeling theory, and social identity theory, explored the lived experiences of individuals with a felony conviction in seeking and obtaining employment postconviction. Participants were recruited from the Adult Probation offices of the Community Supervision and Corrections Department of Brazoria County near Houston, Texas. Six adult males who were currently on adult community …

Intrinsic Motivations And Perceived Benefits Of U.S. Males For Taking Dimethyltryptamine, Timothy Raymond Kazmarek

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) is a psychedelic drug which has a rapidly increasing user rate, giving rise to concern amongst law enforcement and public health officials around the world. While previous researchers have primarily focused their examinations of motivations for DMT use internationally with diverse populations, this study was an investigation of DMT use in the United States among its most prevalent user demographic, adult men. The purpose of this study was to bridge the gap between knowledge of motivations for DMT use internationally and lack of knowledge domestically. The theoretical foundation for this study was comprised of the self-efficacy theory and …

Obesity, Physical Activity, And The Place Of Residence Among Latinos, Chanda Mcneal

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Obesity is one of the most costly chronic, but preventable, diseases that has increased in prevalence in the United States. Obesity is known to be related to a lack of physical activity and the conditions in which people are born and live. Although adult Latino men and women have the second highest obesity rate in the United States, researchers have not explored place of residence as a factor in understanding Latinos’ health status. Therefore, the purpose of this correlational quantitative study was to determine if there is a relationship between obesity and Latinos’ place of residence and physical activity, and …

Qualitative Inquiry Of Resilience In Veterans Transitioning To Civilian Life, Brenda D. Nicholson

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This qualitative phenomenological research focused on the resilience of 10 veterans transitioning back to civilian life. An increase in suicide rates among veterans over the last 10 years has become a major concern for the U.S. Congress and Department of Defense (DoD). The theoretical frameworks guiding the study are Durkheim’s suicide theory, Lindenberg and Frey’s social production function theory, and Diener’s deindividuation theory. Many veterans have no self-awareness of their need for psychological and transitional assistance, leaving them vulnerable during a time of potentially increased and unfamiliar stress. Understanding the need for effective psychological adjustment and resilience in military members …

Experiences Of Long-Term Stay Among Homeless Millennials In New York City Shelters, Xellex Z. Rivera

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The number of homeless millennials seeking shelter in New York City (NYC) increases

nightly. Aside from seeking shelter services, millennial adults are also staying in shelters longer than the time allotted by the city. Their extended stay places a burden on city resources and taxpayers. Although there is research on the millennial generation and homelessness in NYC, more research is needed on the experiences of single, millennial adults who stay in shelters for extended periods of time. The purpose of this qualitative, multiple case study was to explore the experiences of 4 long-term-stay millennials, 25 to 34 years of age, …

Teachers’ Attitudes, Beliefs, And Confidence Levels And Technology Integration In Urban Schools, Renée Rousey

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Many K–12 schools do not exploit the advantages of technology, despite the influx of equipment that can enhance pedagogy and student success. A gap exists in the literature about the extent to which urban teachers’ perceptions influence technology use in the classroom. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the ABCs of K–12 teachers regarding technology integration in their classrooms. Rogers’ diffusion of innovation theory and the technological pedagogical content knowledge model were the frameworks for this study. The research questions examined teachers’ intrinsic factors that impact the integration of technology in the urban classroom and the perceptions …

Mindfulness In Healthcare: Exploring The Gap Between Leadership Practice And Employee Burnout, Bryn Saunders

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

A healthcare employee’s ability to provide proficient, or quality, care to patients is impeded by burnout. Previous studies showed high levels of burnout is a common problem in healthcare, indicating there is a lack of support for employee health. The purpose of this quantitative study was to determine whether mindfulness training reduced burnout in healthcare professionals. The study focused on increasing knowledge between the leadership practices and programs used to improve healthcare proficiency by analyzing the relationship between mindfulness and three measures of burnout: sense of efficacy, depersonalization, and emotional exhaustion. The Western concept of mindfulness that emphasizes self-awareness and …

Caseworkers' Perspectives On Female Juvenile Delinquent Rehabilitation Based On Age Groups, Cynthia Stephens

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The incidence of female juvenile delinquency is increasing and, along with it, the need for effective age-appropriate rehabilitation. The purpose of this study was to address the lack of research regarding age-appropriate rehabilitation programs for female juvenile delinquents. This basic qualitative approach was used to uncover the perspectives of experienced caseworkers on the best practices and success of age-differentiated rehabilitation programming for female juvenile delinquents. Data were collected to answer the following guiding research question: What are the perspectives of caseworkers on rehabilitation programming for female juvenile delinquents, taking into account the age differences among the incarcerated youth population? Bronfenbrenner’s …

Association Between Childhood Secondhand Smoke Exposure And Inflammatory Bowel Disease Development, Stephanie Eve Walsh

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of diseases that affect the gastrointestinal tract. Environmental factors, such as smoking, have been shown to play a role in the development of IBD; however, minimal research regarding secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure and the development of IBD has been conducted. The purpose of this study was to examine whether there was a relationship between childhood SHS exposure and the development of IBD. Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory was used in this study as a basis that the environment can aid in the development of disease. The research questions addressed the potential association between childhood …

Practitioners’ Perceptions Of Medical Compliance Among Homeless Clients With Hiv And A Mental Health Diagnosis, Kyle Samuel Berkley

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Previous research on HIV medical adherence has focused on incentive-based interventions, while previous research with the chronically homeless has focused on substance abuse, mental illness, and health disparities. This qualitative study focused on the experiences and perceptions of medical providers in a metropolitan area who work on medical adherence with homeless people living with HIV and mental illness. Ecological systems theory provided foundation to explore how medical providers form interventions based on clients’ ecosystems. The data were collected via audio-recorded, semi-structured interviews with 15 case managers, mental health therapists, nurses, and primary care physicians who worked at outpatient medical centers. …

An Interpretive Phenomenological Study Of Adult Students’ Subjective Theories Of Critical Thinking In Anatomy And Physiology, Elizabeth Anne Dubofsky-Porter

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Critical thinking is a vital skill for the success of recent graduates, both to increase academic success and improve employability after graduation, especially in health science fields. However, many adult students fail to engage in critical thinking, especially in core courses such as anatomy and physiology (A&P). The purpose of this interpretive phenomenological qualitative study was to better understand adult students’ subjective theories regarding critical thinking and how adult students perceive the use of and any barriers or challenges to critical thinking in A&P while enrolled at Technical University. The theoretical framework that grounded this study was the Paul-Elder theory …

Single-Parent Upbringing As A Predictor Of Long-Term Violence Scale In Solo Male Serial Killers, Jennifer E. Francis

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Growing up in a single-parent household has been associated with exposure to adverse childhood experiences that contribute to negative short- and long-term psychological and behavioral outcomes, including violent behavior. It is unclear, however, whether a single-parent upbringing predicts the scale of a perpetrator’s violence. The current study examined the scale of violence through measures of frequency and duration, correlated with a single-parent upbringing among male serial killers who operated alone in the United States. In a nonexperimental, cross-sectional design, I used a multivariate analysis of variance to compare 85 male serial killers raised by a single parent with 85 male …

How Crime-Based Media Affect Perceptions Of Crime, Race, And Fear Of Crime, Sharonda Cage Hatter

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The effects of crime-based media have long been an area of study among scholars. The problem addressed in this study is the media’s representation of how crimes are perpetrated and processed within the criminal justice system; it is difficult for society to separate and understand factual depictions from fictional portrayals. Researchers have demonstrated that media negatively influences society’s perceptions of police officers’ violent encounters with individuals, particularly African American men, but they have not established wide-ranging contributing factors. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to explore whether crime-based media influences society’s perceptions of others based on crime, race, …

The Coping Behaviors Of Adult Children After Treatment For Parental Alienation, Anissa J. Michaud

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

High conflict divorce and the alienation of a parent after a divorce causes minimal mental health issues and unhealthy coping skills in children. Without treatment programs that focus on PA, psychologists will continue to only treat the symptoms or rebuild the family system rather than treating the individual’s with healthy coping skills. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to compare personal experiences from adult male and females suffering with parental alienation after a parent’s high conflict divorce. Bowen’s theory of family systems was used as a theoretical approach to understand the comparisons of adult children on the basis of …

Recognition, Classification, And Help-Seeking Behavior Of Nigerian Immigrants In Minnesota, Frederick Nnabuchionye

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Immigrants from non-Western cultures are known to underutilize mental health services in the United States. Part of the problem is in the way how cultures recognize and classify symptoms as a mental disorder. A report from the Minnesota Ombudsman's Office for Mental Health showed that out of every 6 suicide-related deaths in Anoka Regional Treatment Center in Minnesota, 4 are of African descent. The purpose of this quantitative study was to investigate the cultural view of depressive symptoms as possible predictors of attitude toward seeking professional psychiatric help. The theory of reasoned action/ theory of planned behavior provided the framework …

The Effect Of Collective Efficacy On Stress Among Elementary Teachers, Tiffany Annette Rich

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Stress among teachers has been an area of increasing concern in education. This study was designed to examine the role of collective efficacy on negative stress effects experienced by elementary general and special education teachers and to determine the difference between effects, if any, in both groups. This topic is important to school leaders and teachers because many teachers are leaving the field, resulting in a shortage of teachers across the United States. The study’s theoretical framework consisted of social cognitive theory, the theory of collective efficacy, and equity theory. Data were collected using the Collective Efficacy Scale, Short Form, …

Sociodemographic Factors, Culture, And Suicide In Guyana, Kay Shako

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Suicide in younger populations is a major public health concern and it significantly impacts third world countries like Guyana. Some challenges related to suicide are poor recording of suicide risk factors and customized prevention programs to address this significant issue. The purpose of this study was to examine which sociodemographic factors (age, gender, occupation, method of suicide, and region) are associated with suicide and method of suicide among people aged ≥ 15 years in Guyana. Also, because studies show that culture plays a pivotal role in suicide, this study investigated if there is a link between culture (ethnicity/race and religion) …

Rethinking Young Adults’ Entrepreneurial Program Policies And Barriers On Enterprise Performance In Nigeria, Olorunyomi Akinboyo

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

One of the primary goals of government policies globally is to improve the standard of living of its citizenry through effective utilization of available resources. With the number of students that graduate from Nigerian tertiary institutions on yearly basis, without a commensurate increase in job creation, youths in Nigeria without entrepreneurial skills and resilience, tend to face greater challenges entering into the labor market. Existing policies have not made remarkable achievement in addressing youth unemployment due largely to absence of research on the causal factors. The main research question that guided this study was how government policies by the Federal …

Influences On Ethical Decision-Making By Nurses Employed In Federal Health Care Facilities, Cecil Dean Blount

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Healthcare professionals are tasked with making key decisions involving new and controversial approaches such as organ transplantation and life-prolonging technologies and treatments that raise various ethical issues. Suboptimal ethical choices by nurses can lead to negative patient outcomes and lower the quality of life in federal healthcare facilities. The purpose of this nonexperimental quantitative correlational study was to identify the factors that influence nurses’ ethical decision-making processes in U.S. federal healthcare facilities. The theoretical framework was based on Beauchamp and Childress’ ethical system of principlism. Three research questions addressed the nature and extent of the relationship between nurses’ Ethical Behavior …

Managerial Strategies To Encourage Learning From Experience, Olena Khomenko

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

In a fast-paced, volatile global economic environment, the ability to learn from successful experiences and failures is critical for the improvement of business performance. The problem is that organizational managers often fail to improve performance because they lack strategies to encourage learning from project teams’ positive and negative experiences. Grounded in the conceptual framework of experiential learning, the purpose of this qualitative multiple case study was to explore managerial strategies to encourage and facilitate learning from experience in teams. The participants were 7 managers from multinational organizations in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Switzerland who had …