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A Phenomenology Of High School Educators’ Experiences Teaching Students With Traumatic Backgrounds In South Carolina, Amanda R. Eron

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to describe educators’ lived experiences teaching high school students who have experienced trauma in South Carolina. This study focused on the following central research question: How do educators describe their lived experiences teaching high school students who have experienced trauma in South Carolina? The study explores three research sub-questions: (1) How do educators describe and understand the complex demands they experience and the available resources they have within their classroom, schools, and school district? (2) How do educators describe their experience with trauma-related training or education? (3) How do educators describe their …

Exploring Long-Term Trauma In Children Following Early Nicu Hospitalization: A Qualitative Study Of Maternal Perspectives, Genee Leniece Francis

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Adverse childhood experiences (ACE) are hardships that occur in the life of a child before the age of 18. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe the experiences of mothers whose child was hospitalized in a NICU during the first 2 months of life, focusing on traumatic injury or long-term trauma symptoms, as evidenced by intellectual delays, emotional regulation issues, or behavioral challenges in children. Purposeful, criterion, and snowball sampling were used to identify English-speaking participants over the age of 22 who served as a primary caretaker of a child currently between the ages of 4 and 11. …

An Examination Of Perceptions Of Strangers' Trustworthiness: A Comparison Of Religious Beliefs, Angelia Theresa Hogan

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

When Panikkar wrote that the “meeting of religions is an inescapable fact of today,” he was describing the very premise of this study. The continual social interactions between people of different faiths and beliefs require an understanding of both perceptions and prejudices in order to help foster trust and cooperation in a global setting. The availability of current data on unimpeded and immediate perceptions of the social trustworthiness of a photographed face on the part of people of different religious beliefs is sorely lacking. This study examined whether people with six different religious affiliations assigned different levels of trustworthiness to …

A Phenomenological Study On The Connection Between Perceived Funding And Hbcu Athletic Staff Self-Efficacy, Ashley Nachez Keys

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative phenomenological study explored the perceived influence of funding on self-efficacy towards technology use after professional development for HBCU professional athletic staff at Vartell University in North Carolina. The central research question explored how HBCU professional athletic staff perceive the influence funding has on their self-efficacy towards technology use after professional development. Thirteen professional staff members who collaborate with athletics at Vartell University participated in the study. The theory guiding this study is Bandura’s theory on self-efficacy, as it provides insight into how HBCU professional athletic staff perceive funding influencing their self-efficacy towards technology use after professional development opportunities. …

The Relationship Between Hr Practices And Employee Engagement: Mediating Role Of Perceived Organizational Support Across Job Classifications, Mike Mcdaniel

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Employee engagement is critical for organizational success, but recent trends have shown it to be in decline. This has prompted the need for more research into the antecedents that drive overall employee engagement levels. Grounded in perceived organizational support theory, job demands-resources theory, social exchange theory, and goal setting theory, this quantitative study examined the relationship of HR practices on employee engagement while exploring the mediating effect of perceived organizational support and the moderating effect of job classification. Responses from 180 participants were collected via an anonymous online survey comprised of the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale, HR Practices Perception Questionnaire, …

Childhood Trauma And Adult Psychological Disorders: A Case Study, Jessica Marie Thomas

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Childhood trauma including experiences of sexual, physical and emotional abuse, neglect and exposure to violence has been widely recognized as a significant risk factor for the development of psychological disorders in adulthood. Such early life adversities can disrupt emotional, cognitive, and social development which can contribute to long-term mental health challenges. This qualitative study aimed to explore and understand how childhood trauma influenced adult psychological disorders, not only by examining direct impacts but also by identifying perceived moderating factors that shaped incarcerated individuals’ outcomes. Using a qualitative case study approach, the research investigated the lived experiences of adult incarcerated males …

A Predictive Correlational Analysis Of Ninth And Tenth Grade Students' Perception Of Culture Of Excellence And Their Attitude To Stem, Mofoluwake Abiola Laleye

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative, predictive correlational study was to determine if ninth and 10th grade students’ attitude toward Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), specifically in mathematics and science can be predicted from their perceptions of culture of excellence (CoE). The continued disparity in academic performance and the representation of minority in STEM workforce has prompted the need to explore the effect of CoE on their attitude to STEM. Data for this study were collected from 177 ninth and 10th grade students attending a public charter school predominantly serving underrepresented minorities in southeastern Tennessee. The primary instruments were Student …

Domestic Violence Survivors And Resiliency: An Investigation Of Belief In God And Faith Factors Impacting Survivors’ Ability To Leave And Thrive Post-Violence, Sherry A. Palmer

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose [KC1.1]of this phenomenological study is to describe the role of faith in the process of leaving an abusive relationship for IPV survivors who believe in God from MA. The theories guiding the study include the survival theory of DV created by Gondolf and Fisher (1988), which believes victims of DV as survivors who most times do desire and seek help and should not be viewed as passive victims. Further, resilience theory builds on survival theory, which will guide the inquiry regarding resiliency. Survival theory and resilience theory both view survivors of DV not as helpless victims but as …

Predicting Emotional Intelligence Based On Cultural Dimensions And Narcissism Among Military And Educational Leaders, Juan P. Remy

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative predictive correlational design study is to examine how well cross-cultural dimensions and narcissistic tendencies predict emotional intelligence among military and educational leaders. This study is important because it will identify how cross-cultural dimensions and narcissistic tendencies influence the emotional intelligence of military and educational leaders. The sample consisted of 90 of 122 military leaders who had attended any professional military education (PME), and 120 educational leaders were recruited from a population of 183 within a military school district in the central United States. The data were collected using the Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire-Short Form (TEIQue-SF), …

Phenomenological Qualitative Study Exploring The Lived Experiences Of Women With Terminal Degrees Related To The Gender Gap In Education Leadership Roles, Ashley Walker

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to understand the gender gap within education leadership for female teachers with terminal degrees within a Midwestern suburban school district and geographically similar educators recruited via Facebook. The theory that guided this study was Bandura’s theory of self-efficacy as it explains the relationship between self-efficacy and the choice to pursue professional leadership roles. Using purposeful and snowball sampling, 10 women were selected to participate in this study. Nine women who fit the selection criteria were recruited from the XYZ school district, and one participant was recruited via Facebook. Data were collected through …

The Impact Of Instagram Exposure On The Beauty Standards And Body Images Of Young Black American Women, Chiquila Tonelle Arrington

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of the phenomenological study was to explore the impact of Instagram exposure on the beauty standards and body image of young Black American women. Drawing from literature highlighting the negative psychological effects of social media, such as comparison, body surveillance, and negative emotions, the research aimed to capture the experiences of Black women navigating beauty ideals in digital communication spaces. The study focused on Instagram because of the visual nature of the content and its alignment with the visual nature of the construct of beauty. The study explored behaviors, intentions, and habits associated with Instagram use.

The research …

Motivating And Retaining Alabama Band Directors: A Comparison Of Rural, Suburban, And Urban Band Directors, Brandon Jay Benson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Despite existing challenges in rural, suburban, and urban communities, band directors face a lack of motivation due to burnout and insufficient resources. This study examines the motivational factors of forty-two Alabama band directors who teach in rural, suburban, and urban communities. Guided by a correlational research design, this mixed-method research study identifies motivational factors that still need to be explored to highlight the motivational factors that drive band directors to continue teaching in their current Alabama communities. This study explores the motivational factors of forty-two Alabama band directors based on their responses to a Likert-type survey and emailed interview questionnaire. …

Improving Muscle Tonus Of “Weak” Muscles In Non-Specific Chronic Low Back Pain: A Case Series Addressing The Role And Impact Of Proprioceptive Response And Isolated Isometric Exercises, Jeffrey S. Tardiff

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Nonspecific chronic low back pain affects most people through-out the world at some point within their lives, negatively impacting 80%-90% of the overall population, their families, and their communities. Thus far, the outcome of most studies indicate that the best form of treatment for this specific problem is a form of resistance training exercises, core stability exercises, mobilization, manual therapy, and or proprioceptive training with no consensus on which provides the best outcomes. The purpose of this study was to explore an individualized approach in treatment utilizing methods shown to improve muscle tonus or “stability” in muscles of the abdomen, …

Why Not Me: Increasing Black Male Participation In Church Leadership, Veronica Ojo

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This ethnographic qualitative study aimed to understand how the volunteerism and service of young Black males between the ages of 18 and 25, who were raised in and currently attend African American Baptist churches in the State of Georgia, are influenced by Transformational Leadership behavior. During the research, volunteerism and service were defined as those who participated or were connected to church ministries within their home church. The theory guiding this study was Burns’s (1978) transformational leadership theory as it relates to the behavior behind senior pastors’, youth ministers’, and senior church leaders’ mentorship of young Black males for leadership, …

Church Hurt: A Phenomenology Of The Lived Experience Of African American Christians, Danny Streeter

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe the lived experiences of African American Christians in the Mississippi Delta who have experienced church hurt in the Black Church. The theory guiding this study was Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, which consists of five levels of needs: physiological, safety, love, esteem, and self-actualization. This study addressed the following research questions: How do African American Christians in the Mississippi Delta describe their experience with church hurt in the Black Church? How do African American Christians in the Mississippi Delta describe their relationship with the church after their church-hurt experience? How do …

From Theology To Practice: A Faith-Based Financial Literacy Program For Church Leaders And Congregants, Jacklyn Morrison

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This Dissertation-in-Praxis addresses the pressing need for financial literacy within church communities by developing a faith-based financial education program tailored for Reignited Worship Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. Despite the abundance of biblical teachings on stewardship, many churches and their members experience chronic financial instability, limiting ministry effectiveness and personal well-being. The praxis project identifies a gap between theological understanding and practical financial management among African American congregants, exacerbated by systemic economic challenges and limited educational resources. Guided by biblical principles and a holistic ministry approach, this study proposes a comprehensive program integrating scriptural stewardship with practical financial tools. The …

Lift Every Voice: A Qualitative Descriptive Phenomenological Study, Janet Singleton Wooten

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Many teacher preparation programs include coursework in special education; however, music educators often begin their careers without adequate training to effectively teach students with special needs, particularly those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Music can serve as a vital avenue for communication and belonging for students with ASD, underscoring the importance of inclusive choral education as a research focus. A review of existing literature revealed a gap in pedagogical preparation and a lack of attention to inclusive practices in secondary choral classrooms. Although specialized training could enhance educators’ understanding of how students with ASD learn and thrive, further research is …

A Quantitative, Predictive Correlational Design Study Examining The Relationship Between School Principal’S Transformational, Transactional, And Laissez-Faire Leadership Style And School Culture In A Public High School, Michelle Andrews

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative, predictive correlational design study is to examine how well the school principal's transformational, transactional, and laissez-faire leadership style predicts school culture among public high schools in eastern Maryland. This study is important because a principal’s leadership style can have a direct impact on school culture, and understanding that relationship could influence student achievement, teacher satisfaction, and overall school effectiveness. The purpose of this study is to add to the literature regarding the impact of a principal’s leadership. The study uses a convenience sample of 73 teachers from traditional public high schools in the eastern region …

Dance Movement For Wounded Warriors With Mental Health Diagnoses: A Phenomenology, Amelia Ann Forsmo

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study will be to understand how dance movement can improve the psychological health of military veterans who are experiencing a mental health disorder such as posttraumatic stress disorder. The theories guiding this study are Carl Rogers’ humanistic perspective, Schlossberg’s transition theory, and the post-traumatic growth theory. A purposive sample of 12 to 15 veterans will be selected for participation in this study. Each veteran will have different military backgrounds, various battle wounds, and unique experiences with dance movement or dance movement therapy. For this reason, these perspectives allow each participant to be prioritized and heard. …

A Transcendental Phenomenological Research Study Of Empathy In Education And Its Defining Influences, Patricia Cuffe

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to describe the lived experiences of showing empathy to students for college professors at a private evangelical Christian university in the southeastern region of the United States. The theory guiding this study was Hoffman’s empathy theory, which describes the concepts and ideologies of empathy and explains the factors influencing professors' empathy towards their students. The Central Research Question was: What are the lived experiences of college professors showing empathy to their students? The study employed a transcendental-phenomenological research approach to describe participants' lived experiences. The participants in the study were ten professors …

Neuropathic Pain And Related Depression In Mice: The Effect Of A Terpene And A Minor Cannabinoid In Combination, Jose Rios, Mohammed Alnoud, Mohammad Hussain, Zayd Ayas, Emmanuel Franco, Justin D. Mills, Joshua Nwose, Maria Sophia Malbas, Hiram L. Garcia, Manish Kumar Tripathi, Khalid Benamar

School of Medicine Publications

Background/Objectives: Neuropathic pain is one of the most severe types of chronic pain. Although it is difficult to manage, it often co-occurs with depression. Yet, no medication addresses the neuropathic pain and depression comorbidity. Therefore, developing integrated treatment strategies that address both pain and depression is a major public health priority and an unmet need affecting millions. Methods: In this study, we investigated the effect of combining a terpene, Beta-Caryophyllene (BCP), and cannabidiol (CBD) on neuropathic pain and associated depression. We employed a chronic constriction injury (CCI) neuropathic pain model and a series of behavioral tests to evaluate …

Designing A Grief Intervention To Address The Religious Problem Of Evil, Charles Lee Burris Jr.

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Christian fellowships should have grief ministries. The problem is the Greater Morning Star Baptist Church lacks a clear and practical intervention to support adult congregants coping with grief. The purpose of this DMIN action research project was to equip adult congregants of the Greater Morning Star Baptist Church through a biblically designed grief curriculum that provided training and encouragement to improve quality of life. This DMIN action research project applied qualitative and quantitative methods that included a pre-grief curriculum interview, a pre-grief curriculum survey, a post-grief curriculum focus group, and test assessments (pre-grief curriculum, mid-grief curriculum, and post-grief curriculum) for …

The Impact Of The Covid-19 Pandemic On Middle School Educators And The Need For Healthy Coping Techniques: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study, Dionne E. Mitchell

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

In this transcendental phenomenological study, the researcher investigated how the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic impacted public middle school educators’ mental health and well-being (MHWB) and how they developed effective coping strategies in response. Using Lazarus and Folkman’s transactional stress and coping theory model and the social support theory as frameworks, the study explored the lived experiences of ten middle school instructors from the southeastern United States who taught during the COVID-19 pandemic. Semi-structured interviews, a focus group, and reflective diary entries were implemented as data collection methods. Thematic analysis identified several significant findings. Teachers faced professional challenges as they adapted …

The Impact Of Classroom Technology Integration On Elementary Students’ Cognitive Development And Critical Thinking, Michelle Lynn Vandross

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation examined the impact of technology use in the elementary classroom on students’ ability to employ critical thinking skills. The objective was to initiate change by promoting professional development for elementary school teachers, leading to a meaningful and appropriate thought process. The primary intention of the literature review is to provide a three-fold framework, grounded in Biblical, theoretical, and thematic perspectives, that offers new insights into social-emotional learning by serving students through collaborative learning. The literature review lays the foundation for demonstrating the connection between Biblical integration and the cycle of social-emotional learning that supports students’ cognitive processing in …

A Quantitative, Quasi-Experimental Study Of Students' Strengths Using Devereux Student Strengths Assessment Scores In A Maryland School District, Tamara L. Brandon

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative, quasi-experimental, non-equivalent control group study was to determine if there is a significant difference in the social emotional competencies of students after implementing positive feedback classroom intervention. The independent variable was positive feedback classroom intervention. The significance of this study was to encourage positive behaviors of students in a way that builds their positive character, enhances self-esteem, which will therefore ignite their intrinsic motivation to learn and ultimately diminish negative characteristics or behaviors that lead to the use of negative disciplinary methods. This study was conducted with a sample of 94 students in the third …

The Invisible Struggle: Exploring The Experiences Of African American Women Diagnosed With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (Pcos) And Their Interactions With Healthcare Providers, Trulissa L. Moore

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to understand the lived experiences of African American women diagnosed with PCOS, focusing on their interactions with medical providers, perception of healthcare, and overall well-being. The cultural competence framework guided this study, and the patient-centered care model is a theory that operated within the broader cultural competence framework. The cultural competence framework and patient-centered care model took into consideration the systemic and individual issues that affect African American women diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. This study examined the difficulties African American women diagnosed with PCOS faced in healthcare, as well as their mental …

A Causal-Comparative Examination Of The Impact Of Male And Female Secondary Students' Social Anxiety Enrolled In Blended Courses, Tabitha C. Batts-Turner

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative causal-comparative study was to determine if a difference existed in male and female students’ social anxiety scores in the pedagogical approach of blended learning. This study was essential because social anxiety impacted students' quality of life, affecting them long after leaving high school. The ramifications of social issues impacted future earnings, relationships, and psychological well-being; therefore, this study added to the literature on social anxiety and blended learning pedagogy. The sample was comprised of 79 students in blended learning with flipped instructions and 79 enriched virtual. All students were from a rural high school in …

The Effects Of Grounding Techniques On Strength And Power In Division Ii Track And Field Athletes: A Pre/Post Cohort Study, Matthew Ronald Hall

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Grounding is the practice of connecting the human body to the Earth’s electrical surface. It has been proposed as a natural intervention capable of reducing inflammation, enhancing recovery, and improving physiological balance. While previous research has identified benefits for general health and recovery, limited evidence exists regarding its effects on athletic performance. This study investigated the effects of grounding interventions on strength and power among Division II track and field athletes. A five-week, pre/post randomized prospective cohort design was employed with thirty participants, stratified for men and women, which included three groups: grounding sheets, grounding pads, control. Athletes were assessed …

A Phenomenological Study Of Homeschooling From A Single Parent Perspective: Pipe Dream Or Possibility?, Sarah C. Ball

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to understand the lived experiences of single parents who chose to homeschool their students in South Florida. The theory guiding this study was Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems. The central research question was focused on how single-parent home educators describe their experience. The methodology used was qualitative, utilizing the following data collection methods: personal interviews, journaling, and focus groups. The participants were single parents — widowed, divorced, or by choice — who chose to homeschool their students in South Florida. Once the data were collected, the analysis included identifying commonalities, recognizing emergent themes, and transcribing …

The Lived Experience Of Students With Neurodevelopmental Disabilities And Smartphones For Higher Learning, Eric F. Sandstrom

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study is to describe the lived experiences of college students with neurodevelopmental disabilities (NDD) using smartphones for online learning during historic levels of both enrollment of students with NDDs and smartphone use in education. The guiding framework is Bandura's (1986) social cognitive theory, which explains how learning occurs in a social context that includes interpersonal, behavioral, and environmental factors. This study asks: What are the lived experiences of students with NDDs in college using smartphones for online learning? The study seeks to understand how smartphones influence students’ perceptions of disability accommodations, internal locus of control, …