Digital Commons Network^™

Nursing Students Doing Gender: Implications For Higher Education And The Nursing Profession, Lesley J. Andrew, Ken Robinson, Julie Dare, Leesa N. Costello

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The average age of women nursing students in Australia is rising. With this comes the likelihood that more now begin university with family responsibilities, and with their lives structured by the roles of mother and partner. Women with more traditionally gendered ideas of these roles, such as nurturing others and self-sacrifice, are known to be attracted to nursing as a profession; once at university, however, these students can be vulnerable to gender role stress from the competing demands of study. A qualitative research design, guided by Gadamer's hermeneutic philosophy, explored the gendered behaviours and experiences of 22 women nursing students, …

An Exploration Of The Lived Experiences Of Special Education Teachers Engaged In Mentoring Programs For Novice Teachers, Donna M. Sowerby

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Abstract Beginning special education teachers often leave the field within the first 3–5 years of employment. There is ample research available on mentoring programs for beginning teachers. However, limited research exists on mentoring programs for beginning special education teachers. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the lived experiences of novice special education teachers in urban schools to broaden the current understanding regarding their perceptions of mentoring. Self-determination theory was the conceptual framework for examining the mentoring relationships and the participants’ perceptions. Using a phenomenological approach, in-depth face-to-face interviews were used with a purposeful sample of 10 novice …

Educating Providers And Nurses On Human Trafficking, Valerie Smith

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Human trafficking is a global public health problem. Victims of human trafficking experience higher rates of sexually transmitted diseases, reproductive damage, sexual violence, infertility, and mental and behavioral issues. To help end human trafficking, which is potentially deadly, raising awareness about this topic is essential for victim survival. A gap in practice among staff at a community health center regarding recognition of victims of human trafficking and procedures for potential victims was identified. An education program focused on increasing knowledge and awareness was developed to close this gap. Guided by Watson’s theory of human caring, a 30-minute educational session followed …

Mainstreaming Hate: An Analysis Of The Rebranding Of White Supremacy, Lowell Smith

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

AbstractThe purpose of this qualitative dissertation was to examine the feasibility of white supremacist and white nationalist organizations’ abilities to alter their appearance and gain increased support in White American society. Nationalist agendas pushed by mainstream political platforms have been used by white supremacist and white nationalist organizations to alter their appearance and embed themselves into a political environment that has seen the former President of the United States Donald Trump and congressional representatives openly associating with known and self-proclaimed white nationalists. The research question included the understanding the perspectives of two civil rights organizations who work to address white …

Theoretical Orientation Beliefs Among Adventure Therapy Professionals, Edward Spaulding

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Adventure therapy as a therapeutic model for the treatment of mental health has been a growing area of psychology for more than 50 years. This quantitative study was conducted to explore the theoretical orientation beliefs to clarify the theoretical framework of this therapeutic approach using Coleman’s theoretical evaluation self-test (TEST) to gather data on self-identified adventure therapy practitioners’ theoretical beliefs. Data were collected from 150 participants recruited through their membership or affiliation with adventure therapy professional organizations or social media groups. Data were analyzed using a paired t-test to determine if adventure therapy professionals have higher scores on the cognitive, …

Race As A Predictor Of Co-Rumination In Friendship Among Adolescents, Jendayi A. Stafford

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Co-rumination refers to the excessive and extensive discussion and revisiting of problems and negative feelings within dyadic relationships. Differences in friendships concerning co-rumination have found that girls co-ruminate more than boys, however, researchers have not examined the relations between the racial composition of friend dyads and co-rumination in the friendships of adolescents. Theoretical frameworks included response styles theory and fictive kin theory. The study involved secondary analyses of an archival data set in which adolescents responded to surveys about co-rumination and their same-sex friendships. The population used for the study consisted of 265 adolescent friend dyads from a town in …

Historically Black Colleges And University Leaders’ Strategies For Increasing Alumni Donations, Dub Taylor

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Historically Black college and university (HBCU) leaders lack strategies to enlist and retain donations from alumni to support long-term sustainability. HBCU leaders are concerned with developing and implementing strategies for enlisting and retaining alumni donations. Grounded in resource dependency theory, the purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore the strategies that HBCU leaders use to enlist and retain alumni donations to support long-term sustainability. The participants were six HBCU leaders at three HBCUs in the southeastern United States who have implemented strategies to enlist and retain alumni donations. Both a president and an institutional advancement officer were interviewed …

Parenting Skills Of African American Young Mothers Who Transitioned From Foster Care, Tamesha Yvonne Townsend-Simmons

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Prior research indicated there is an ongoing social issue in the United States for young single mothers with foster care experiences and their children. This group of women face poor economic and parenting outcomes without assistance from government resources in the form of effective parenting programs. Yet programming lags and there are ongoing assumptions about young mothers' in foster care parenting skills and abilities. The purpose of this qualitative multiple-case study was to better understand the development of parenting skills among a selected group of African American adult young mothers who transitioned from foster care to independence and motherhood between …

Examining Psychosocial Characteristics Of Female Serial Murderers, Rachael Strebel

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Previous studies of serial murderers have focused primarily on male serial murderers.The reason for this is unknown, but is primarily reflective of media patterns, gender roles, and social norms that often exclude females from conversations surrounding female serial murder. This study focused on the psychosocial characteristics of female serial murderers. Both solo female serial murderers and serial murderers who worked with one partner were studied. Using a grounded theory approach, based on the review of 11 secondary data case studies, 12 female serial murderers were studied; six who murdered individually and six who murdered within a team. Six main themes …

A National Assessment Of Household, Community, And Environmental Situations On Breastfeeding Decisions, Marnita Siglar Thomas

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Exclusively breastfeeding has been proven to be an effective preventive measure for childhood obesity; however, breastfeeding practices decline after 6 months. Secondary data from the 2018-2019 combined National Survey of Children's Health were used for this study to determine the household, community, and physical environment relationship between individuals' decisions to breastfeed and sustainment in the United States (N=16,750). Grounded by the theoretical framework of the socio-ecological model, the results suggested that household, community, and physical environments predict individuals' decisions to initiate breastfeeding and sustainment nationally (p < 0.001). Binary logistic regression, controlling for maternal age, indicated a statistical significance between breastfeeding initiation and income (p = 0.043, p = 0.041), family structure (p = 0.003, p < 0.001), education (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001), neighborhood support (p < 0.001), and neighborhood amenities (p = 0.039, p <0.001, p < 0.001). A statistical significance between breastfeeding duration and family structure (p = 0.061), education (p < 0.001, p < 0.001), maternal overall health (p <0.001), neighborhood support (p = 0.008), neighborhood safety (p = 0.006), and neighborhood amenities (p = 0.019) was found when controlling for maternal age. Implications for positive social change include providing health professionals with knowledge on breastfeeding decision making to encourage new recommendations and implement new practices and policies to promote breastfeeding and ultimately reduce the incidence of overweight and obesity in children nationwide.

Parents’ Perceptions Of The Traits, Characteristics, And Circumstances Of Modern-Day Mass Shooters, Matt Talbot

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

There is little research on parents’ perceptions about the traits, characteristics, and circumstances ascribed to mass shooters and the sources of information shaping these perceptions. Understanding parents’ beliefs about mass shooters and mass shootings can serve to inform approaches to training and education and recommendations for media reporting on such events. Evidence-based knowledge helps parents become more equipped to serve as early interventionists for those who may be moving along a pathway of violence. Application of Gerbner’s cultivation theory frames the process by which media sources shape perceptions. In this phenomenological qualitative study, semi structured interviews were conducted with 19 …

Religious Parents’ Awareness Of And Attitudes Toward Their Adolescent Children's Utilization Of Sexual Health Services, Ashley Thompson

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Parents are a key influence on their adolescent children's sexual health care decisions. Few researchers have considered the impact of religious environments and parental expectations on adolescents’ use of sexual health services, and research on religious parents’ awareness of adolescents’ use of sexual health services in Christian environments is scarce. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore religious parents' awareness of and attitudes toward their adolescents’ use of sexual health services. The social ecological theory provided the conceptual lens for this study. Eight Christian parents participated in in-depth virtual interviews to discuss their encouragement or discouragement of …

Parents’ Perceptions Of Hardships Associated With Transitioning Their Child With Disabilities From Early Intervention To The Local Education Agency, Chelsea Theria Taylor

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Children with disabilities require services that are covered under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act to be successful in school. Early intervention, which is made available to all who qualify, provides services with a team that works directly with the family. However, when the child turns three years of age, the family is transitioned to their local education agency (LEA). The level of support at this point lessens as the school takes over services for the child. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the experiences of parents with children with disabilities during the transition from early intervention …

Nursing Staff Education Program On Using The Ask Suicide-Screening Questions Tool Kit, Camarita Titang

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The absence of adequate knowledge, skills, and competencies in screening for suicide risk in adolescent and young adult patients is a significant problem facing nurses in outpatient settings. An evaluation of the project site facility’s main performance metrics revealed shortcomings in locating patients who pose a serious risk of self-harm and suicide. Staff dealing with the patients may, as a result, overlook preemptive measures that could stop a suicide event. The project aimed to create a training program to introduce the ask suicide-screening questions (ASQ) tool kit, an evidence-based suicide screening tool, to ambulatory nurses. The goal of the project …

Exploring Dual Roles In Law Enforcement Officers Who Administer Naloxone, Regina Sullivan Wachenheim

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

With the introduction of law enforcement-administered naloxone, officers are assuming the dual role of law enforcer and caregiver with opioid users. This study used cognitive role theory and Thorne’s interpretive approach to explore the dual roles experienced by officers. The purpose of this study was to understand (1) how officers who administer naloxone describe their experience of the dual role, and (2) how the officers describe the role expectations of law enforcer and caregiver. Seven officers completed semi-structured, one-on-one, telephone interviews. The eight themes that emerged were related to the officers’ views of (1) saving and changing opioid users’ lives; …

Firefighters' Perceptions And Experiences Of Seeking Mental Health Treatment Services, Kimberly Whitman

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Firefighters are repeatedly exposed to trauma on the job, which could result in the need for mental health services; however, many firefighters experience barriers that impede their access to available resources. Additional research is needed from a qualitative lens on firefighters' help-seeking behaviors to inform the development of treatment interventions. The purpose of this study was to explore firefighters’ perceptions and experiences of seeking professional mental health treatment services. A generic qualitative approach and interpretive lens were used for the investigation. Twelve active U.S. firefighters with a minimum of 2 years on the job participated in semistructured interviews. Thematic analysis …

Modus Operandi And Target Selection Criteria Of Child Sexual Predators In Protestant Churches, Joshua K. White

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Although there has been much media focusing on child sexual abuse in the Catholic Church, in many cases Protestant church leaders who committed child sexual abuse were held to no level of accountability. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to explore the modus operandi of child sexual predators and their target selection criteria in Protestant churches. Hickey’s relational paraphilic attachment theory provided the framework for the study. Fifteen cases from the United States were analyzed using inductive coding to identify six themes: (a) Leaders from Protestant churches who were convicted of sexually abusing minors possessed gross psychological immaturity, …

African American Mothers’ Perceptions Of Trust Of Law Enforcement, Caisha Wilkes

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

AbstractFor many years, African American mothers have endured negative experiences with law enforcement (LE) involving themselves, their children, or both. These personal experiences with LE contribute to the lack of trust African American mothers have in LE. The purpose of this study was to explore African American mothers’ perceptions of LE in terms of trust. Social conflict theory was used as the conceptual framework for this study. Eight African American mothers residing in the United States were recruited by means of snowball sampling to participate in semistructured interviews. The resulting interview transcripts were coded via the six-steps method, and the …

Local Stakeholders' Involvement In Community Development Projects In Kenya, Charles Wanjue

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Local residents can provide valuable input on the design, implementation, review, and assessment of development projects, but many community development organizations do not involve these individuals in decision-making. There was inadequate knowledge about why community members are not engaged in community development projects in Kenya. With this study, I sought to improve the understanding of why community members are not fully involved in implementing and managing community development projects in Kenya. Stakeholder theory served as the theoretical foundation for this study. Data were collected through interviews with 13 management and program staff members working with an NGO in Kenya. The …

Generational Cohort Membership And Career And Organizational Commitment Among Law Enforcement Officers, Erinn Elizabeth Vranches

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Career and organizational commitment are topics of interest in multiple fields, including law enforcement. With the exodus and transition of generational cohorts, there is a need to understand generational differences to address the recruitment, training, and retention of officers. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between generational cohort membership, career commitment, and organizational commitment among law enforcement officers. Two theories were used for the foundation of this study: Manheim’s theory of generations and Super’s developmental self-concept theory. The study method was quantitative and the design, correlational. A survey containing demographic questions and items from the Occupational …

Understanding U.S. Customers' Intention To Adopt Robo-Advisor Technology, Deborah Wall

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Finance and information technology scholars wrote that there is a literature gap on what factors drive investors in Western financial markets to use a Robo-advisor to manage their investments. The purpose of this qualitative, single case study with embedded units is to understand the adoption intentions of retail investors in U.S. markets to use a Robo-advisor instead of a human advisor. A single case study design addressed the literature gap, and qualitative data from seven semi=structured interviews, reflective field notes, and archival data were triangulated to answer the research question. This study was grounded in a theoretical framework that includes …

Effective Strategies To Sustain Small African American Food Service Businesses Beyond 5 Years, Alvin West

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

AbstractAfrican American small food service business owners contribute to national and local economies; however, only 45% of them sustain their businesses beyond 5 years. African American small food service business owners are concerned with the lack of effective business strategy implementation, as it is the number one predictor of actual business failure. Grounded in the general systems theory, the purpose of this qualitative multiple case study was to explore strategies African American small food service business owners used to sustain their businesses beyond 5 years. The participants were seven African American small food service business owners in the southeastern United …

Addressing Conflict-Related Sexual Violence In Liberia, Nathaniel Benjamin Walker

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The phenomenon of sexual violence against women in Liberia is a disturbing problem. Despite the significant number of individuals who have faced sexual assault in this country, little is known about the roots and long-term implications of this phenomenon within the context of Liberia, as well as the instruments that could be effective in remedying its effects. This study was conducted to understand how conflict-related sexual violence affects women in Liberia and suggest ways to help address it. The research questions addressed the effect of war-related sexual violence against women in Liberia and the strategies that are necessary to remedy …

A Pcl-R, Pai, And Rorschach Study Of Women Who Murder, Jason M. Smith, Carl B. Gacono, Ted B. Cunliffe

Archives of Assessment Psychology

Murder is antithetical to any traditional conceptualization of femininity or the nurturer role. Women do, however, commit murder, as well as a plethora of other heinous offenses. Understanding the personality of women who murder is of both clinical and scientific interest. In this study, we present the PCL-R, PAI, and Rorschach data of 24 incarcerated women who have murdered. We explored the interpersonal, affective, cognitive, and self-concept vulnerabilities that contributed to this behavior within the female offender model. The results were placed within societal contexts (i.e., media) as well as providing recommendations for assessment and treatment of this population.

The Bulgarian And Greek Versions Of The Cognitive Test Anxiety Scale In University Students: In Search Of A Factor Structure, Stanislava Stoyanova, Vaitsa Giannouli

Archives of Assessment Psychology

University students face test anxiety regardless of their country of origin. Therefore, it is necessary to use psychometric measures with identified factor structures. The Cognitive Test Anxiety Scale (CTAS) has been used in different countries to measure the cognitive aspect of test anxiety. Although the CTAS has been used widely, its factor structure is a topic of debate. In this study, we focused on concurrent data collection in two adjacent countries (Bulgaria and Greece), with two aims: a) to establish for the first time the factor structure for the Bulgarian and Greek versions of the CTAS, and b) to investigate …

Visual Literacy: A Critical Literacy Competency In 21st Century Higher Education, Elizabeth Bucciarelli

Faculty Scholarship 2023

No abstract provided.

When Pro(?)-Football Came To Ypsilanti, Steven J. Ramold

Faculty Scholarship 2023

No abstract provided.

Mobilenetv1-Based Deep Learning Model For Accurate Brain Tumor Classification, Maad M. Mijwil, Ruchi Doshi, Kamal Kant Hiran, Omega John Unogwu, Indu Bala

Mesopotamian Journal of Computer Science

Brain tumors are among the most dangerous diseases that lead to mortality after a period of time from injury. Therefore, physicians and healthcare professionals are advised to make an early diagnosis of brain tumors and follow their instructions. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is operated to provide sufficient and practical data in detecting brain tumors. Applications based on artificial intelligence contribute a very large role in disease detection, provide incredible accuracy and assist in creating the right decisions. In particular, deep learning models, which are a significant part of artificial intelligence, have the ability to diagnose and process medical image datasets. …

"A Raisin In A Box": The Experiences Of Racialized Black Males In Leadership Roles In The Non-Profit Sector In Toronto, Canada, Morris Anthony Beckford

Dissertations

Problem

The marginalization of Black and other racialized bodies (people of colour) has led to the position of a leader becoming so synonymous with Whiteness that it is normalized and naturalized; and worse, there has been limited analysis about why this is so. There is even less analysis of the experiences of the few people of colour who occupy leadership roles in organizations (Berkshire, 2008; Bradshaw et al., 2009; Mills et al., 2010; Nkomo, 2011; Ospina & Foldy, 2009). Astonishingly, organizations in diverse communities also have exiguous conversations about such salient issues like race and gender even though there is …

An Exploratory Study Of Entrepreneurial Intention Among Hispanic Entrepreneurs In Toronto, Jorge Perez Moreno

Dissertations

The Problem

Entrepreneurship scholars have claimed that immigrants are more likely to become self-employed due to limited job opportunities, access to social networks, cultural background, necessity, and education and skills. However, the entrepreneurial experience of Hispanic immigrants in Toronto has yet to be examined. This quantitative study examined the attitudes, norms, and perceptions influencing entrepreneurial intention and the factors that encourage self-employment continuation among immigrants in Canada.

Method

This study used a survey questionnaire of ninety-four Hispanic entrepreneurs in Toronto to comprehend their entrepreneurial intention. It examined their proficiencies, studied their business characteristics, and predicted their behavior toward self employment …