Digital Commons Network^™

Created To Be Slaves: Reexamining The Doctrine Of Original Sin, William Daniel Gamble

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

One of the earliest debates in the church was over the nature of Sin, its transmission to subsequent generations, and its effects upon man’s nature. Two terms, “sin nature” and “original sin,” have become the prevailing terminology, yet there remains debate concerning the meaning or appropriateness of these terms. This discussion will examine and assess the doctrine of Original Sin through the prism of the metaphor of slavery as found and utilized throughout the OT and NT. Ancient Slavery, in its various forms, serves as the background for understanding the idioms and metaphors employed concerning the power and role of …

Exploring Job Demands That Increase Burnout Rates Among Secondary, Public, Interrelated Special Education Teachers: A Hermeneutic Phenomenology, Wendy M. Turner

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenology is to understand the experiences of secondary, interrelated, public-school teachers in Georgia and their job demands and job resources that affect the development of burnout syndrome. There are two theories guiding this study: the burnout theory and the job demands-resources theory. These theories work together to frame understanding and guide the research questions for this phenomenological study. The burnout theory lays the foundation for identifying the characteristics of burnout syndrome while the job demands-resources theory allows us to identify specific characteristics of the job that can increase or decrease the likelihood of special education …

Challenged And Chosen: Discipling Christians With Chronic Conditions Towards Kingdom Identity And Purpose, Allison J. Hampton

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose for this DMIN action research project was to create an eight-week discipleship program and accompanying workbook to help Christians diagnosed with chronic medical conditions to rediscover their identity in God. Because of the limitations and physical changes that often accompany chronic diagnoses, members of Living Chronic Faith (a faith-first nonprofit organization that serves believers with chronic diagnoses) felt incapable of serving on the same level as their physiotypical counterparts. Marginalized by their faith community and hesitant to engage in their ministry contexts, eleven LCF members participated in this online focus group. This project’s surveys, interviews, journal entries, and …

Readiness For Interprofessional Teamwork Of Graduate Public Health Students At The Time Of Their Graduation, Liliana Morosanu

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this applied study was to solve the problem of lacking empirical evidence for the contribution of interprofessional education (IPE) towards readiness for teamwork interprofessional practice (T-IPP) of Master of Public Health (MPH) graduates, and to design an IPE evaluation model in response. Current knowledge about T-IPP of MPH graduates is insufficient yet critical for professional practice. It is unclear how academic IPE builds MPH students’ T-IPP skills, and whether other training sources exist. A cross-sectional multimethod design was implemented with a sample of 58 MPH graduates from accredited programs within 12 months from graduation, of whom 12 …

Gatekeeping The Choral Classroom: The Existence Of Caste System Levels In High School Choral Singing, Amber J. Klein

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The high school choral music sector has become increasingly competitive in education, leading to selectively allowing certain students into the choral classroom and fostering exclusionary practices within choral music instruction. The term "gatekeeping" may evoke a sense of unease and concern, although it refers to a long-standing system that has existed for centuries. Gatekeeping, which excludes pupils who do not meet the standards set by the competitive choral world, is a growing concern in music education. The all-ability choir movement has experienced gradual growth in urban areas following years of challenges that originated from implementing the No Child Left Behind …

The Shared Experiences Of Silenced Struggles Of A Deaf And Hard-Of-Hearing Community In North Carolina Seeking Mental Health Services, Lindsey J. Laws

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to describe the challenges members of a Deaf/Hard of Hearing (D/HOH) community in North Carolina have experienced when seeking mental health services. A major challenge is the lack of trained professionals to accommodate the needs of hard-of-hearing and Deaf clients. Barriers include a limited number of providers who know American Sign Language or offer hearing assisted devices to effectively communicate with clients. The theory guiding this study is the social learning theory initially presented by Albert Bandura in 1971. Specific emphasis is placed on learning by direct experience and motivational function of …

The Development Of A Men’S Ministry At Remnant Church To Foster The Spiritual Leadership Development Of Men To Provide Leadership For Family, Church, And Community, Anthony L. Herron

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The problem this student seeks to address is that the Remnant Church in Midwest City, Oklahoma, does not have a men's ministry to develop men as spiritual leaders. The Remnant Church is a non-denominational church focused on growing and developing people to become more like Jesus Christ. The men of the Remnant Church do not meet regularly for discipleship or fellowship.

The men of Remnant Church are not organized to provide a network of support for men. Men need a support network within the church to develop spiritually. Men need a forum for discussing men's issues, such as leading in …

Injury Prevalence Among Females Playing American Football, Anthea Warren-Williams

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

While extensive research has examined injuries in men's football, there is a significant lack of studies systematically investigating the types, patterns, and long-term effects of injuries among female football players. This study aimed to address this gap by investigating the types and frequencies of injuries sustained by female American football players. A recruitment letter was sent via email, and following approval, an anonymous online survey was distributed to collect data from participants about their injuries during the 2023 season. The study included 13 teams from the WFA Pro division, with a total of 647 players, recruiting 245 participants aged 19 …

The Heart Of The Matter: Prioritizing The Mental & Emotional Wellbeing Of Pastoral Leaders, Ashley M. Herron

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Pastoral leadership is a unique and peculiar leadership vocation. It is unique and peculiar in its expectation that those in the pastoral leadership vocation should operate in multiple roles. It is also particularly unique in its experience of occupational stressors. The pastoral vocation is considered by many to be the single most stressful occupation in the United States and perhaps around the world (Thordarson, 2022). Although pastoral leaders are experiencing mental and emotional stress and distress at high rates, they are not seeking help at the same rate. Research indicates that pastoral leaders are reluctant and slow in pursuing care …

Identifying Higher Education Employee Experiences Using A Diffusion Of Innovations Checklist Planning For Knowledge Management Implementation: A Phenomenological Study, Eric Christopher Viets

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenology study was to understand the experiences of higher education employees planning to implement knowledge management through utilizing a diffusion of innovations checklist. Knowledge management is generally defined as the process of creating, sharing, using, and managing the knowledge and information of an organization. The theory guiding this study was the diffusion of innovations by Everett M. Rogers, as it provided a clear and comprehensive model of the stages of change and knowledge management implementation. The research questions sought to understand the experiences of ten higher education employees utilizing the diffusion of innovations checklist within …

Examining Parenting Styles And Dimensions As Predictors For Adolescents’ Perceived Life Satisfaction As Adults, Katelin Waddell

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Literature supports the idea that parenting practices have a lasting impact on an individual's life and development. The purpose of this quantitative study was to examine parental parenting styles, parental parenting dimensions, and independent adult child life satisfaction to determine what aspects of parental parenting styles are more likely to increase the chances of greater life satisfaction among males and female adults A sample of 94 adult participants were surveyed through Prolific to gather information on their perceived parental parenting styles, parental parenting dimensions experienced in childhood by their mother and their current level of perceived life satisfaction. Results indicated …

A Predictive Correlational Study Of The Relationship Between Two-Year College Faculty Participation In Professional Development And Career Commitment, Faculty Leadership, And Professional Service Activities, Deborah Josey Burks

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this predictive correlational non-experimental study was to examine the relationships between faculty participation in professional development, and career commitment, faculty leadership, and engagement in professional service activities. The predictor variable was faculty professional development and criterion variables were career commitment, faculty leadership, and engagement in professional service by faculty employed within two-year colleges in the southeastern United States. This study contained a convenience sample of 76 faculty employed at two-year colleges within a system of colleges. Data was gathered utilizing the combined self-reported Career Growth Opportunity Measure (Adams, 1999), the Teacher Leadership Inventory [TLI] (Angelle & DeHart, …

Attachment Security In Adult Offspring Of Parents With Narcissistic And Borderline Personality Disorder, Habiba Jessica Zaman

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Available research in understanding the correlation of insecure attachment in the offspring of caregivers with traits of personality disorders and how the two presents in adulthood includes the experiences from childhood to adolescence, though thus far, no other studies have been done to understand these variables into adulthood. This mixed methods study of 172 participants for the quantitative portion and 12 participants for the qualitative portion explored the impact of having an early childhood caregiver with Narcissistic or Borderline Personality Disorder characteristics on attachment styles and interpersonal relationships in adulthood. Online self-reports utilizing The Personality Inventory (PCL-5 Brief Form) to …

Task Force 57: The British Struggle Of Implementing A Pacific Fleet, J Robert John Streit

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

By the Fall of 1941, the British were struggling to fight the German and the Axis powers in the European theater. The Royal Navy was occupied in the home, Atlantic, and Mediterranean waters and did not have the available ships to send to the Pacific. In December of 1941, the Japanese had not only attacked the Americans at Pearl Harbor, but also attacked Singapore and other British possessions, to include a small naval task force sent by the British as a deterrent to the Japanese. From December 1941 on, the British struggled to have enough forces to fight against the …

Causal-Comparative Study Of The Difference In Teacher Perceptions Of School Climate And Teacher Occupational Stress Among Elementary, Middle, And High School Teachers, Jennifer L. Miller

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative, causal-comparative study is to determine if there is a difference in teachers’ perceptions of school climate and teacher occupational stress among elementary, middle, and high school teachers. There is a gap in the literature pertaining to teachers’ perceptions of school climate and occupational stress in different school settings. The sample included 79 teachers from a district in eastern North Carolina. The instrument used for teacher stress was the Teacher Stress Inventory-Short survey (TSI-S), and the instrument for school climate was the Delaware School Climate Scale–Teacher/Staff (DSCS-T/S) survey. Data was collected using Survey Monkey. A one-way …

Contact Refusal In Children And Adolescents Post-Parental Separation, Ashten N. Gallagher

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore and understand the underlying themes in contact refusal between a parent and a child through a developmentally sensitive lens. This study examines how trauma, relational dynamics, and developmental stages influence a child’s refusal to engage with a parent post-separation or divorce. The theories guiding this research include Erikson’s psychosocial development stages (Erikson, 1950, 1968), which highlight how children’s developmental needs and challenges impact their relational attachments. Additionally, the diagnostic framework for complex posttraumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) as outlined by the World Health Organization’s International Classification of Diseases 11 (Cloitre et al., …

A Transcendental Phenomenology Study On Teacher Experiences And Perspectives On The Efficacy Of Trauma-Informed Practices In Public Schools With Students With Behavior Intervention Plans, Elaina Marie Lawrence

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to understand public school teachers’ lived experiences and perceptions of the efficacy of trauma-informed practices for students with Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPS) within the Desert Coral Independent School District (DCISD). Due to the complexities that trauma has on personal, social, and cognitive development, Vygotsky’s theory on the zone of proximal development (ZPD) frames this study to combine the relationship between the stages of child development, trauma, and self-determination. ZPD provides a relational model of emergent interactive agency for students with BIPs. It highlights reactions to observation, modeling, and emulating behaviors, attitudes, and emotional …

The Blessing And The Promise: Paul's Covenantal Framework As The Foundation For Galatians 3:14, Eric L. Williams

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation examines the relationship between the blessing of Abraham and the promise of the Spirit in Galatians 3:14. When Paul wrote these words to the Galatians, he did not intend to communicate two distinct, bifurcated concepts. Rather, he uses the two ἵνα clauses to bring depth of understanding to a singular idea. Paul spoke of the blessing of Abraham and the promise of the Spirit in a homogeneous manner, describing one main concept from two distinct angles, much like one would describe two sides of the same coin. It is argued that Paul was able to make such connections …

Exploring Generational Differences Within The Nursing Profession: An Evidence-Based Practice Project, Danielle Sienkiewicz

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Nursing practice has evolved since its initial presentation. The 2020 pandemic played a significant role in changing nursing dynamics. Acute care nurses have become responsible for a plethora of tasks once a patient enters the doors of their facility. While education and skills training can be implemented, there are other aspects requiring greater attention. Generational differences have become more apparent in practice. Generational differences are only recently gaining attention and could use more focus in large organizations. The workforce has become a combination of Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials, and Generation Z. The Silent Generation, also referred to as Veteran …

Ensuring Careful Interpretation And Application Of The Bible Through The Lens Of The Covenants, James Kenneth Rainwater

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

For centuries, believers in Jesus Christ have turned to the Bible to discover His will for their life. For the most part, this discovery has resulted in joy and significance and has benefited the journeys of millions. However, there have been many examples where the misunderstanding and misinterpretation of the Bible has brought about devastating consequences. Wolves have crept in and used the Bible for their own nefarious purposes. This paper offers a bridge for believers to navigate many of the difficult passages of the Bible and their behavioral application. Specifically, this is achieved through a closer look at how …

The Shared Experience Of Marriage And Commitment Of Couples Who Have Been Married For Over 30 Years: Challenges And Resilience In Marriage, Rosemarie Gonzalez

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological research study was to explore the experience of marriage commitment for individuals who have been married for over 30 years. Current research indicates that commitment is the leading cause of marital dissolution. Moreover, research indicates that marriage commitment is associated with several factors (e.g., marriage beliefs, communication, relationship maintenance, and marriage quality) that aid in the stability and satisfaction of long-term marriages. The framework for the study included marital commitment in constructivism learning theory, with biblical concepts of marital relationship, and the intergenerational theory. Concept mapping was used as a means of data analysis …

Exploring The Perceptions And Attitudes Of Teacher Effectiveness Regarding Student Achievement In An Inclusive Classroom Environment: A Phenomenology, Rhonda Zellner

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to explore the perceptions and attitudes of teachers regarding their effectiveness in meeting the needs of students in an inclusive classroom environment. The theory guiding this study was Bandura’s self-efficacy theory, which applies to teachers’ perceptions and attitudes in teaching in an inclusive classroom setting. The central research question for this study was: What are teachers’ perceptions and attitudes toward teaching students with special educational needs in an inclusive classroom environment? The research questions addressed teachers’ perceptions regarding their effectiveness and ability to meet the needs of students in an inclusive classroom …

Exploring The Lived Experiences: Social And Emotional Well-Being Of Virtual Instructors In The Federal Government, Jody Renee Sutton

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to understand the social, emotional, and professional factors that affected the well-being and effectiveness of federal instructors teaching virtually. The investigation filled a crucial gap in the current body of knowledge and provided empirical insights to inform the development of targeted strategies and interventions designed to enhance instructional confidence and self-efficacy. The theory guiding this study was Bandura’s theory of self-efficacy, as it offered a foundational framework for understanding how individuals’ beliefs in their abilities influenced their motivation and performance, which was critical in exploring how virtual instructors perceived their teaching experiences. This …

Effects Of Supply Chain Issues On It Digital Transformation In Fast Growing Louisiana Sme, John Estes

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

COVID 19 lockdown restrictions hit the business world by surprise in 2020 resulting in various effects on businesses. Many businesses required their employees to work from home for weeks, months, or years at a time. This resulted in a push to digitization during a period the supply chains were also impacted by similar restrictions. Section one lays the groundwork for a single case study on the related effects to digital transformation on engineering services in a Louisiana SME. Section 2 covers the project, a single case study within a fast-growing engineering services business. The study findings answer four key questions …

Assessing A Reading Score's Ability To Predict Pta Program Student Success, Tiffany H. Bain

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Admission into a physical therapist assistant (PTA) program continues to be highly competitive, with consistently more applicants than available seats. Student success is essential for maintaining CAPTE accreditation. There is limited research on admission criteria and predictors of success in physical therapist assistant education. This study aimed to determine if the Accuplacer or ACT reading test scores can predict student success (program completion and first-time NPTE-PTA) in a physical therapist assistant program using Astin’s input-environment-output (IEO) model as the theoretical foundation. This non-experimental logistic regression study used retrospective secondary data from an associate degree-level physical therapist assistant program 2016 through …

The Relationship Between Perceived Leadership Communication And Feedback On Job Satisfaction, Organizational Commitment, And Professional Isolation Of Remote Workers, Simone I. Orlowski

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting lockdown have significantly contributed to the fact that teleworking has established itself in all branches of industry. With remote working, communication mainly occurs via digital channels such as emails, chat platforms, or video conferencing, and leaders need to ensure that communication is clear, regular, and effective to avoid misunderstandings and promote collaboration. The purpose of this quantitative correlational study was to examine the relationship between effective communication and feedback from leadership with job satisfaction, organizational commitment, and professional isolation of remote employees. In a quantitative correlational study, participants were recruited from different branches in …

Wildlife Factors And Zoonotic Spillover In Sub-Saharan Africa, Bernard Mgba

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Zoonotic spillover, the transmission of infectious pathogens from animals to humans, is a critical public health concern in Sub-Saharan Africa. This study examines the role of wildlife factors in zoonotic spillover within this region, highlighting the complex interplay between human-wildlife interactions, environmental changes, and emerging zoonotic diseases. The research underscores that Sub-Saharan Africa is particularly vulnerable due to its rich biodiversity, cultural practices involving wildlife, and socioeconomic challenges. Factors such as habitat encroachment, wildlife consumption, and inadequate health infrastructure contribute to the heightened risk of zoonotic spillover. The study employs an online survey followed with a contextual analysis, and socioeconomic …

Special Education Teachers' Perspective On Burnout When Legal Counsel Is Part Of The Iep Team: A Phenomenological Study, Erin M. Squibb

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to understand teacher perceptions of special education teacher burnout rates when legal counsel or parent advocates are Individualized Education Program (IEP) team members in public schools in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia. The two theories guiding this study are the social cognitive theory and the job demands-resources model. Special education teachers are leaving the field at an alarming rate. It is essential to understand burnout specifically related to special education teachers. This study determined how fourteen special educators with varying years of teaching experience described their experience when an advocate or legal counsel was …

The Role Of Customers In Strategic Information Technology (It) Initiatives, Siddharth Aggarwal

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study focused on a small organization in the United States of America. The organization has IT departments that cater to the IT needs of its internal and external customers through IT products and services. Such organizations run full life cycles of product management and product development and often face off with situations to prioritize the use of their limited resources. Ideally, organizations focus on strategic IT initiatives that might be in the company's and its customers' best interest. However, instances occur when IT-driven initiatives lose that focus and might end up diverting resources toward the latest shiny technology and …

What Makes A Great Movie Trailer?​, Bridget Hill

Honors Projects

This research analyzes four case study films across two genres to identify the best tactics used in trailer marketing and editing in order to create box office successful films that attract their identified target audiences. Existing research and a pre-existing interview were used to identify and define these tactics before then applying the strategies onto existing film trailers. The two genres chosen in this analysis include Romantic Comedies and Animated Action/Adventure Family Films. In each genre, a successful and unsuccessful film were chosen then compared against one another to determine if the successful film trailers utilized the previously identified tactics. …