Digital Commons Network^™

'No Girl-On Girl Crime': A Qualitative Interview Study Of How Older Women In The Police Force Experience Competition, Social Support, And Discrimination, Bridget Graham

Theses and Dissertations

Law enforcement remains a male-dominated field in which women continually have to prove they belong. As women achieve recognition and move into high-ranking roles in law enforcement, they encounter unique forms of discrimination and social support opportunities that are shaped by their years of experience. To better understand the unique lived experiences of aging women in the context of the police force, this thesis conducted qualitative interviews with women in their fifties who have achieved success as police officers. Semi-structured interviews with six aging adult women within law enforcement were conducted. The interviews included questions related to the evolution of …

From Intent To Invent: An Exploration Of The Entrepreneurial Learning Strategies Of Entrepreneurially-Intentioned Individuals When Navigating Social Media As An Informal Learning Environment, Joshua Lyndon Gray

Theses and Dissertations

The journey from entrepreneurial intention to entrepreneurial invention involves various considerations for individuals with an intention to start a business in the next 3 years. While some individuals with entrepreneurial intentions pursue higher education prior to starting a business, some start businesses without graduating from a degree program—prompting an exploration of various entrepreneurial learning options. This study uncovered the learning strategies employed by individuals with entrepreneurial intentions when navigating informal learning environments, particularly social media, through a phenomenological qualitative approach. The study explored the phenomenon of entrepreneurial learning experiences through investigating the use of social media platforms as informal learning …

Identifying The Best Practices Of Wilderness-Immersion Programs To Support Veterans’ Transition From The Military To College, Catkin Kilcher Burton

Theses and Dissertations

This study identified best practices for designing and implementing wilderness-immersion programs to support student veterans transitioning from military service to college. It used a sequential explanatory mixed-methods design. Phase 1 of the study involved a Delphi approach wherein an expert panel of program facilitators, university staff, mental health providers, and student veterans rated and refined an initial set of best practices drawn from literature. Veterans Affairs directors provided feedback in a focus group format to refine the framework. This study contributes practical, evidence-based guidelines to enhance the academic, social, and emotional success of student veterans through wilderness-immersion interventions. Findings from …

High School Counselor Perceptions Of Trauma-Informed Professional Development And Implementation Of Trauma-Informed Practices In Schools, Kimberly Faulkner-Camacho

Theses and Dissertations

This non-experimental phenomenological study aimed to delve into school counselors’ perspectives on what motivates them to participate in trauma-informed professional development, the necessary supports for implementing trauma-informed practices in schools (TIPS), and the barriers that impede implementation. Drawing on situated learning theory and adult learning theory, this study sought to enhance the understanding of school counselors’ views on trauma-informed professional development and implementation. These frameworks offered valuable insights into how to support counselors and shed light on existing barriers. The study involved 10 traditional public high school counselors from non-charter schools in Los Angeles County, selected through snowball and purposive …

R&D Efficiency Of Drug Development At Universities, John Aylworth

Theses and Dissertations

Research and development (R&D) efficiency in the pharmaceutical industry is a measure of the relative value of new and novel products cast against the costs required to make them. For six decades, the R&D efficiency of large pharmaceutical companies has declined to critical levels. Most recently, nearly half of the companies studied were experiencing negative R&D efficiency, or products whose costs to bring to market outweigh the value they offer both commercially as well as to the health and well-being of society (Schuhmacher et al., 2023). One of the most prominent consequences of the inefficiencies plaguing the drug development industry …

Analyzing Students’ Long-Term Motivational And Emotional Effects On Achievement Performance Within And Across Diverse Socioeconomic Backgrounds, Hyejin Kim

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation examines how students’ motivational and emotional factors influence their future educational and professional achievements within and across diverse socioeconomic status (SES) groups. This study leverages a quantitative longitudinal study methodology employing a publicly available sample of 16,197 U.S. students from 10th grade through age 26. The theoretical model of this study is grounded in the situated expectancy-value theory (SEVT; Eccles & Wigfield, 2024) and generalized control-value theory (CVT; Pekrun, 2024), encompassing five latent constructs: expectancies for academic success, subjective task values, assurance about academic success, assurance about career success, and SES-related achievement performance. To investigate the relationships between …

Analysis Of Dual Roles: Work-Life Balance Experiences Of Female Professors And Mothers In California, Lu Liang

Theses and Dissertations

The study aims to discover and understand the work-life balance experience of mothers who are also professors working in higher education institutions in California. The research reveals the unique challenges, needs, and motivations to manage work and family responsibilities. The literature review indicates that mother professors encounter conflicts of roles and responsibilities from academic work and domestic duties. Moreover, mother professors experience persistent gender disparity and systemic barriers as an underrepresented group in academia, hindering their personal and professional advancements. This qualitative study utilizes quantitative ethnography (QE), an incorporated research methodology to examine mother professors’ work-life balance experience. Additionally, the …

Navigating Leadership As A Black Woman In The United States Space Industry: An Exploration, Rogena Thurber

Theses and Dissertations

This phenomenological study explored the ontological perspectives and leadership experiences of Black women in the U.S. space industry, employing an intersectionality conceptual framework. The research aimed to understand how Black women navigated their paths to leadership at the intersection of gender and race within Predominantly White Institutions (PWIs) in the U.S. Space Industry (USSI).

Following a pilot phase to refine the research approach, eight one-hour, one-on-one interviews were conducted with Black women leaders from seven major USSI organizations in Southern California (LibGuides, n.d.). The study probed participants' leadership approaches, educational backgrounds, access to opportunities, and professional development experiences.

Emotional Intelligence …

Black Adolescents' Mental Health And Identity Formation: The Role Of Discrimination And Racial Socialization - A Systematic Review, Tsahai Jenkins

Theses and Dissertations

This systematic review examines the impact of racial discrimination on mental health and racial identity development among Black adolescents, focusing on anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and identity formation, as well as the protective role of racial socialization. Analysis of 19 qualitative and quantitative studies revealed that Black adolescents frequently experience discrimination across various settings, including schools, public spaces, and online platforms, with significant effects on mental health and self-concept. Gendered patterns were evident, with females more likely to internalize stress as anxiety and depression, while males showed externalizing behaviors such as aggression. Racial socialization, especially cultural pride messages, emerged as a …

Consumer Satisfaction & Complaint Resolution In The Los Angeles Home Improvement Industry, Aimee Joy

Theses and Dissertations

Home has many layers of meaning as does the term, home improvement. The first and most common way of thinking about home is the structure in which we reside. For decades the American dream has involved home ownership. It is important to understand both the emotional and financial value of having a shelter and structure to call home. Losing this can be one of the most stressful events in life. The fires in Los Angeles County during the beginning of 2025 impacted thousands of people. Individuals, families, and communities were disrupted and forced to rebuild as well as reconsider what …

Polarization And Civil Discourse In America: A Case Study Of Respectful Dialogue As A Moderating Influence On Generation Z, Liane Weintraub

Theses and Dissertations

Animosity between opposing political parties is longstanding, but the phenomenon is now acutely pervasive and dangerous. Today, polarization is further fueled by social media algorithms that create echo chambers, limiting discourse about diverse viewpoints. Consequently, polarization has become pernicious and threatens the founding principles of American democracy. This dissertation considers the roles of free speech, civility, and social capital in the US polarization problem. Through an exploration of historical scholarship on virtue, ethics, and civility, the study seeks to identify actionable tools for promoting civil discourse. The dissertation investigates Generation Z (Gen Z), focusing on intergenerational differences, the role of …

Assessing The “Plateaus” Vertical Development Model With A New Likert Scale Instrument, Mark Divine

Theses and Dissertations

This research project will focus on the assessment of the Five Plateaus (Plateaus) vertical leadership development model with a newly constructed Likert Scale instrument. Part one of the research project was a pilot study to create a simple, internet-based instrument. The scale, comprised of 100 questions and completed in 30 minutes, assesses participants' self- perceived stage of development as presented in the Plateaus vertical development model. The instrument was designed to capture the experience of participants and to overcome limitations of existing assessments by mitigating the subjectivity of sentence completion instruments, as well as to enhance efficiency and reliability. The …

Culturally Specific Interventions And Indigenous Practices In Correctional And Forensic Settings: A Systematic Review, Jordyne James

Theses and Dissertations

While professional guidelines, legislation and research emphasize the importance of adapting treatment approaches to patient characteristics and culture (American Psychological Association [APA], 2021, 2019; Correctional Service of Canada [CSC], 2013; Canadian Psychological Association [CPA], 2017; Canadian Counseling and Psychotherapy Association [CCPA], 2021), psychological and forensic research and practice related to culturally specific programming lags behind expectations to meet the needs of ethnically diverse clients. Given the continued overrepresentation of minorities within forensic institutions (Aguiar, 2020; Carter & Forsyth, 2007; Hanser & Gomila, 2015; Leguizamo et al., 2018), this systematic review aimed to raise awareness of culturally-specific interventions and Indigenous practices …

Psychopathology, Symptomology, And Treatment In Offspring Of Holocaust Survivors: An Integrative Systematic Review, Lauren Grace Escobar

Theses and Dissertations

This systematic review aimed to evaluate the symptomatology, psychopathology, and treatment of offspring of Holocaust survivors (OHS). A comprehensive search was conducted in PsycINFO, PILOTS/PTSD, and Scopus for studies published between 1990 and 2024. Inclusion criteria required peer-reviewed studies, reports, books, literature reviews, and meta-analyses written or translated into English that reported on symptomatology and treatment for OHS. From an initial yield of 2,532 articles, 119 studies met the inclusion criteria. The findings suggest that OHS demonstrate significantly higher levels of symptomatology and psychopathology reported in nine clinical classifications. Psychodynamic treatment was the most commonly found treatment modality for OHS, …

Either At The Table Or On The Menu: Strategies For Enabling Practitioner-Led Policy Co-Creation In Education Systems, Robert Reyes

Theses and Dissertations

Demands for educational transformation present unparalleled challenges for practitioners, as successive reform initiatives often exclude their voices and discount their expertise. Despite empirical evidence recognizing educators as key agents of change, systemic barriers continue to hinder their participation in policy-centered decision making. This study underscores the urgent need for education systems to invest in practitioner capacity-building, structural enablement, and cross-sector collaboration to create a more equitable and responsive future for education governance. A qualitative phenomenological approach was employed to explore how best to prepare and enable PK-12 practitioners to co-create education policy at the state level, aiming to empower them …

Symptom Presentations And Effective Mental Health Interventions For Those Experiencing Homelessness: A Systematic Review, Abraham Sloves

Theses and Dissertations

Homelessness is a present and concerning issue without a clear solution due partly to barriers in public policy, as well as challenges in homelessness research. Research seems to indicate that barriers to effective research on homelessness include inconsistent and incomplete data on homelessness prevalence, a lack of consistency in defining homelessness, and lack of generalizable research (Hossain et al., 2020). This is especially true when it comes to the intersection between homelessness and mental illness. While research has been done on interventions for unhoused individuals (Morton et al., 2020; Ponka et al., 2020), studies often fail to address the complex …

The Phenomenon Of Collaborative Leadership At Gensler: Work-Life Balance Of Co-Leaders, Chidimma Abuka

Theses and Dissertations

This mixed methods phenomenological case study investigates the lived experiences of co-leaders operating within a male-female leadership dyad, with a particular focus on how collaborative leadership influences work-life balance. As organizations increasingly explore shared leadership as a strategy for adaptability and innovation, the co-leadership model - defined by the equal sharing of roles and responsibilities - offers a compelling alternative to traditional hierarchical leadership structures. Grounded in shared leadership theory (Pearce & Conger, 2003) and dual leadership theory (Hasija et al., 2017), this study examines the dynamics of co-leadership within a global architecture and design firm, shedding light on the …

The Use Of Humor In Mental Healthcare: A Systematic Review, Blake Song

Theses and Dissertations

Humor has been observed, practiced, and documented as an essential feature of society for thousands of years. However, there is still no formalized or widely referenced clinical guidance on how to effectively and appropriately utilize humor in mental healthcare despite ample research over the last 70 years noting the many potential benefits. This lack of guidance may, at least in part, be due to unresolved concerns pertaining to the use of humor in counseling and healthcare settings. For instance, humor is believed by some to be potentially distracting or undermining to the counseling process if used inappropriately. This continued absence …

Implications For Clinical Practice When Working With Latino Families Affected By Pediatric Cancer: An Integrative Systematic Review, Karla Rodas

Theses and Dissertations

The high mortality rates within the Latino population due to childhood cancer and the psychosocial challenges that come with the disease warrants attention from mental health professionals to provide support and address the distress experienced by affected families. The purpose of this integrative systematic review was to identify the psychosocial challenges faced by Latino families navigating childhood cancer, explore the role of cultural resiliency as a coping mechanism, and examine culturally adapted clinical interventions that integrate cultural resilience, promote psychosocial well-being, and improve treatment engagement. A PRISMA flow diagram was used to illustrate the systematic review process, which included 11 …

Impacts Of Artificial Intelligence On The Human Workforce, Dwayne A. Henry

Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative study explored how artificial intelligence (AI) implementation was experienced by employees across organizations with varying levels of AI maturity. Drawing from semi-structured interviews with fifteen professionals across twelve organizations, including technology firms, government agencies, and healthcare providers, the research examined perceptions of AI's impact on daily work, role evolution, organizational culture, and employee learning. Thematic analysis revealed seven major themes: trust and transparency in AI, productivity and job security, training and learning support, organizational culture, customer-centric use of AI, ethical and environmental concerns, and evolving roles. While participants recognized AI’s potential to enhance efficiency and innovation, they also …

Cultural Matching And Treatment Utilization And Outcomes In Asian Americans: A Systematic Review, Ryan Lim

Theses and Dissertations

Research regarding cultural matching in clinician and client dyads as a means of improving care for underserved populations has become less prevalent over the past two decades. This review sought to examine and synthesize the existing literature on the relationship between three forms of cultural matching (i.e., racial matching, ethnic matching, and language matching) and mental health treatment utilization and outcomes for Asian Americans. Following an extensive database search process, we identified a total of 10 peer-reviewed studies as relevant to the review's topic. Overall, results from the studies suggest that ethnic and language matching were associated with an increased …

An Exploration Of Compassion Fatigue In Organization Development Practitioners, Ciara Henschke

Theses and Dissertations

Compassion fatigue is well-documented in helping professions but remains underexplored in the field of organization development (OD). This qualitative study examines the contributing factors, manifestations, and mitigation strategies of compassion fatigue among OD practitioners. Findings from interviews with experienced practitioners reveal that leadership dysfunction, large-scale change, role-based emotional labor, and personal vulnerability contribute to fatigue. Manifestations span emotional, cognitive, physical, and relational domains, sometimes spilling into practitioners’ personal lives and diminishing professional effectiveness. Common coping strategies include physical regulation, boundary-setting, peer support, and reframing — similar to those in other helping fields, yet uniquely adapted in the absence of formal …

How To Encourage Consumers’ Adoption Of Clean Energy? The Interplay Of Framing, Loss Aversion, And The Unexpected Role Of Socioeconomic Status., Bradley A. Gray

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation and its underlying hypotheses seek to determine what factors play a role in U.S. consumers’ adoption of clean energy. Consumer adoption of clean energy plays an important role as part of the long-term clean energy transition. How to encourage consumers to adopt clean energy? The findings of the dissertation about how framing effects, loss aversion, and socioeconomic status affect clean energy perceived value present evidence that a one-size-fits-all approach to boosting adoption is unwise. The research adopted an explanatory sequential quantitative approach. In phase 1, a series of cross-sectional surveys examined the best predictors of current and future …

African American Vernacular English: A Qualitative Study On Its Use In American Foreign Language Classrooms, Rickkay L. T. King

Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative research study examines how foreign language (FL) instructors perceive Black students' use of African American Vernacular English (AAVE) in the classroom. Historically, negative connotations of AAVE have colored the perspectives of the general public and educators alike. This collective case study of FL instructors gathered in-depth data through semi-structured interview questions. These research findings have the potential to impact world language curriculums in America positively, particularly those tailored to students with home language backgrounds different from Standard American English (SAE). Despite increasing overall college enrollment and bachelor’s degree attainment, Black students continue to have some of the lowest …

Exploratory Study Of Selected Paintings Of Jesus Christ, Sarah O'Brien Laverone

Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative study employs digital artifacts to explore paintings of Jesus through iconography, semiotic analysis, visual culture/visual studies, ancient Christian history, the importance of digital pedagogy, and digital preservation of the artwork of Jesus, thereby digitally preserving culture and the religious culture of Jesus as a transformational leader. Paintings, frescoes, and other art media such as sculpture or ancient books are the educational tools and the elements of exceptional, invaluable, and immeasurable historical legacy. Cultural heritage preservation is a growing demand; digital technology reduces costs and allows for a broader application of techniques (Stanco et al., 2011). Paintings of Jesus …

Emergent Leadership: A Study Of Ethiopian And Eritrean Diaspora Leaders, Bethel Zelalem

Theses and Dissertations

This study explores the lived experiences of young Ethiopian and Eritrean diaspora leaders in the United States who have been recognized by others as embodying emergent leadership. The research was inspired by the firsthand observations of a gap in leadership representation and recognition among first- and second-generation East African diaspora young adults, particularly those navigating bicultural identities and intergenerational tension. Guided by Borderland Theory (Anzaldúa, 1987) and Emergent Leadership Theory (Bormann, 1972; Mumford et al., 2002), the study explored how young adult Ethiopian and Eritrean diaspora members in the United States, nominated as embodying emergent leadership by their communities, experience …

Mentorship: The Impact On Defining Identity For Women Veterans After The Military, Brenda V. Lemas

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to explore the potential impact that mentorship can have on women veterans to achieve success and define their identity after the military. This study examined women's veteran stories: self-identity, personal narrative, challenges, personal and professional development, physical challenges, sources of motivation, and purpose by addressing their needs as they transition into the civilian sector. Interviews were conducted with a diverse group of 15 women veterans to gather data. This group of women veterans were in different life stages during their transition from the military. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed for further investigation and …

The Effects Of Exposure To War & Attachment Disruption On Children Of War Leading To Negative Mental Health Outcomes, Chantal Daley

Theses and Dissertations

Children of war tend to endure abuse, witness deaths, killings, and sexual violence, and are also often coerced into committing violent acts. They are subjected to exposure to war-related traumas and as a result often become displaced from their primary caregiver and attachment figure and this relationship is disrupted. The primary aim of this systematic review was to explore the negative mental health outcomes in children of war into adulthood following attachment disruption and exposure to war. It also aimed to examine what protective factors mitigated these negative mental health outcomes and whether outcomes and protective factors varied according to …

Belief Systems Amongst Black Women: A Qualitative Study Of Social Supports And Factors That Facilitate Pathways To Leadership Positions Within Professional Sport, Rachel Lofton

Theses and Dissertations

Despite notable advancements made by Black women in both athletic and professional settings, their representation in leadership roles within the sports industry remains disproportionately low. The underrepresentation of Black women in leadership positions within professional sport organizations underscores the need for research to identify the social supports and factors facilitating their career progression. This study addresses the gap in the literature through qualitative interviews with twelve Black women who hold director-level positions or higher in professional sports teams or leagues. Grounded theory was employed to gather, examine, and interpret the data from the interviews. Critical race theory, standpoint theory, intersectionality, …

Best Educational Practices For Supporting English Learners During Remote Learning, Dimitrina S. Gotzeva

Theses and Dissertations

Remote learning (RL) has gained significant momentum in recent years, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, underscoring the need for technology to facilitate remote education. Despite its increased prominence, RL has been a long-standing educational tool, enabling students to access quality education even when physically distant from prestigious institutions. However, the effectiveness of RL has been a topic of ongoing debate, with no clear consensus in the literature on the optimal strategies to enhance its outcomes. Focusing on English language learning, this study aimed to investigate the challenges and barriers associated with RL and identify effective strategies to improve its …