Digital Commons Network^™

A Qualitative Exploration Of Self-Harm Among Autistic Women, Jessica Rebbettes, Alison Bacon

School of Psychology

Background: Autistic individuals, particularly females, demonstrate a higher prevalence of self-harm compared to those who are not autistic. Core cognitive, affective, and sensory differences inherent to autism are linked to the increased vulnerability within autistic populations. However, these factors are not sufficiently explored in relation to individuals’ social and environmental contexts, resulting in a gap in understanding the self-harm experiences of autistic females. Methods: Eleven autistic women participated in semi-structured interviews to explore their experiences of self-harm. Data was transcribed and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results: Three key themes were identified: Regulation of Emotional States, highlighting self-harm as a …

Screening For Depression And Anxiety In Women With Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, Nicole M. Bondurant

Dissertations

Background: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a multifaceted endocrine disorder that affects up to 20% of women of reproductive age and is associated with an increased prevalence of psychiatric conditions, particularly depression and anxiety. Despite international guidelines recommending routine screening for these mental health conditions in women with PCOS, consistent implementation in clinical practice remains limited.

Methods: This quality improvement (QI) pilot project aimed to address this gap by developing and implementing a standardized screening protocol for depression and anxiety within a suburban concierge OB-GYN clinic specializing in women’s reproductive and sexual health using validated tools—the Patient Health Questionnaire-8 (PHQ-8) …

‘They Say There’S More Equality…’: Women’S Perspectives On Progress And Setbacks In Gender Equality In Northern Iceland During Times Of Crisis, Marya Rozanova-Smith, Embla Eir Oddsdóttir, Andrey N. Petrov

Faculty Publications

Enabling gender equality through the empowerment of women to fully participate in modern society is one of the most critical steps toward sustainable development. However, recent UN reports indicate that the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have jeopardized the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 5 by 2030 in many countries worldwide, including Iceland, which has consistently been ranked as a global leader in gender equality. The main objective of this qualitative study is to examine the gendered impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic by exploring women’s lived experiences during the crisis and its aftermath across the primary domains of gender equality—personal …

Utah Women And Mental Health: A 2025 Update, Sadie Wilde, Chloe Bhowmick, Kolene Anderson, Susan R. Madsen

Marketing and Strategy Faculty Publications

According to the World Health Organization, “mental health is a state of well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community.”¹ Based on a 2025 ranking from WalletHub, Utah is the 4th “Happiest” state in the nation, so one might draw the conclusion that Utahns experience good mental health. However, the rankings also reveal that Utah does not perform as well in the “Emotional & Physical Well-Being” category (in 27th place).² Because mental health is an important indicator of overall well-being, this report …

Green Roots In The Grassroots: Conceptualizing Eco-Conservation And Eco-Funding For Women In Vihiga, Kenya, Phylis Musimbi Orado

Theses - ALL

Women’s grassroots ecological activism significantly influences environmental conservation in Vihiga County, Kenya. These women’s labor, expertise, and organizational skills are essential for addressing environmental degradation and resource scarcity. This study examines how rural women, through community-based organizations (CBOs), address the intersection of environmental issues and gendered socioeconomic hierarchies to promote ecological balance and community well-being. Recognizing that environmental crises disproportionately affect rural women due to their greater involvement in water collection, food production, and caregiving, the research situates women’s activism within a broader context of environmental justice, community ecology, and equitable development. This study examines the various goals, adaptive approaches, …

Navigating Reintegration: A Qualitative Exploration Of The Challenges And Success Factors For Women Offenders In Society, Arabella Grace Alegrid Velasquez, Beatrice Gabrielle Z. Dyquiangco, Vylet Xummer Eduardo Pimpinio, Tamachi Agnesia Varent, Lander James Luke Torres Villanueva

DLSU Senior High School Research Congress

This study explores the different challenges and success factors women ex-offenders face during their reintegration into society after being incarcerated. With the help of 11 women on parole and probation in Baguio City from interviews, the researchers were able to examine their experiences and perspectives. Superordinate themes emerged, namely Reintegration Struggles and Societal Rejection, Resilience Through Support Systems, and Stigma and Social Exclusion. The results indicate the personal, societal, and structural barriers that women offenders face upon reintegration. Additionally, the successful reintegration of women offenders is influenced by both internal and external support systems, personal motivation, and spiritual guidance. A …

What Mental Health Topics Do Female Practitioners Discuss In The Construction Industry? A Qualitive Literature Review, Shuang Zhang, Maggie Tang, Sherphard Chidarikire, Shaleeza Sohail, Ali Alashwal

CIB Conferences

The construction industry in Australia is characterized by a notably low representation of women among professional groups, the lowest across all major industries and sectors. Women who enter the industry frequently face harassment and discrimination and encounter fewer opportunities for career advancement compared to their male counterparts. There is still a clear lack of awareness and understanding among female practitioners in the construction industry regarding mental health issues. Therefore, this research addresses this significant gap through a qualitative literature review, analysing over 129 published research papers. The findings were assessed using content analysis to pinpoint the primary barriers that female …

Experiences Of Occupational Engagement In Young & Middle-Aged Women Post-Stroke: A Qualitative Systematic Review, Li Kiang Regina Toh, Tanja Križaj

School of Health Professions

Purpose: Young and middle-aged women engage in distinct occupations, facing unique post-stroke challenges that complicate their recovery. However, little is known about their experiences with occupational engagement following a stroke. This qualitative systematic review aimed to explore the post-stroke experiences of women aged 18–65 from an occupational perspective of health. Methods: A comprehensive search of five databases identified qualitative studies on post-stroke experiences of women aged 18–65. Two reviewers independently appraised the methodological quality of eligible studies. Data were extracted and synthesised using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) method of meta-aggregation. Results: Seven studies were included. From 103 extracted findings, …

A Phenomenological Exploration Of The Church In The Healing Process For African American Women In The Washington, D.C., Area Suffering From Self-Diagnosed Depression In Recovery From Intimate Partner Violence, Kimberly D. Brooks

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this descriptive phenomenological study is to describe the lived experiences of African American women who have utilized the church after intimate partner violence (IPV) suffering self-diagnosed depression in the Washington, D.C. area. The approach guiding the methodology of this study is Clark Moustakas’ (1994) phenomenological approach. There is a need to explore what type of support the church offers as a source of healing for those who need assistance and will not seek professional counseling for various reasons. While there has been much research on depression resulting from IPV, there is a gap in the literature regarding …

Women And Puritanism: Establishing A Theological And Philosophical Framework For Women's Legal Rights In Seventeenth-Century New England, Karen A. Jones

Masters Theses

Using the framework of the modified germ theory, this thesis seeks to discover how the intersection of theology, philosophy, and law reveal the rationale behind the state of women’s legal rights in seventeenth century Puritan New England. The study mostly focuses on 1630-1690, since these sixty years represent the limit of Puritan hegemony in New England. During the 1690s, the Crown forced the northeastern colonies to conform to common law and subsequently expunge their laws of any hints of Puritan biblicism. The conclusion will address the ramifications of this change. The main body of this work, however, takes up Marylynn …

Developmental Consequences Of Benevolent Sexism: How Awareness Can Change Women’S Lives, Bianca F. Brenes Rojas

Student Works

Benevolent forms of sexism become increasingly evident as society evolves, making everyday sexism more challenging to recognize and confront (Feigt et al., 2022; Watson et al., 2018). When unaware, benevolent forms of sexism can adversely affect women’s self-esteem, create feelings of inferiority, and may potentially increase women’s psychological stressors (Becker & Swim, 2011; Becker & Wright, 2011; Moradi & Subich, 2004). According to the ambivalent sexism theory, benevolent forms of sexism, while expressed in a positive tone, can potentially affect women due to the underlying belief that women are inferior to men (Glick & Fiske, 1996). Some women perceive benevolent …

Margaret Cavendish And Radical Self-Love, Marina Burandt

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Margaret Cavendish was an early modern Englishwoman writer who lived from 1623 to 1673. She wrote under her own name at a time when it was more common for women to write under a pen name, and published almost everything she wrote. Her writings include a multiplicity of genres, from science fiction, poetry, drama, and philosophy, to letters, biography, and autobiography. Cavendish’s style often blends multiple genres and forms, showcasing a modality that is driven by complexity and hybridity. Cavendish was a surprisingly modern figure in many ways, as her writings show. The Description of a New World, Called the …

Promoting Women's Inclusion In Latin American Technol-Ogy: A Multineutrosophic Analysis For Strategic Decision-Making, Giannina Marleni Castillo Castillo, Juan Randall Fabian Ramírez-Huerta, Stefanny Fiorella Bazán-Arias, Katherine Lizzeth Vallejos-Tantajulca, Kiara Melanie Chauca-Justiniani, Rosa María Criollo Delgado

Neutrosophic Sets and Systems

This study addresses the underrepresentation and persistent gender inequalities hindering women's inclusion in Latin America's technology sector. Utilizing a systematic literature review of 58 articles (2015-2022) and a multineutrosophic analysis approach employing the ARAS method, the research aims to identify and prioritize strategic guidelines for promoting female participation while accounting for inherent uncertainty and multiple perspectives. The methodology integrates diverse expert opinions to provide a robust framework for decision-making. Findings indicate that promoting technological education and strengthening inclusive policies are the most impactful strategies, significantly influencing equity, sustainability, and accessibility. Support for female entrepreneurship and leadership development also emerged as …

Female Religiosity In The United Farm Workers Movement, Keylla Ortega

Undergraduate Honors Theses

This thesis examines female religiosity in the United Farm Workers movement. Using primarily a collection of essays written by UFW volunteers, this thesis highlights key moments in UFW history when women added to the religious direction of the UFW through innovative ideas and their personal faith. This thesis adds to recent scholarship dedicated to highlighting the stories of rank-and-file members of the UFW. It also adds to the Chicana scholarship that has recognized the consistent leadership of women in the UFW by demonstrating women’s religious and spiritual leadership in the UFW.

Women's Learning For Community Peacebuilding, Robin Neustater

Peace and Conflict Studies

Around the world, every day, women work on building peace in their communities. Through various roles, paid and unpaid, women’s community care work is significant to the lives of individuals, families, communities, and the women themselves. Understandings of peace are varied, and often nuanced to the context and experience of who is defining peace. How women define peace will inform how they think about peacebuilding. Women engage in learning about peace and for their peacebuilding work, through nonformal and formal programs, and through experience and role models. Their learning to do peace is vital to getting things done. This article …

Traditional Institutions As Change Agents: Understanding Cultural Norms And Practices Promoting Gender-Based Violence In Nigerian Communities, Titilayo Ogunbambi

Dissertations

Traditional institutions in Nigerian communities hold a strong cultural foundation and significantly influence cultural norms and practices. Due to the increasing need for effective community-based approaches in addressing social and health problems on a global scale, we explore the attitudes and behaviors of traditional institutions as custodians of cultural customs and norms related to gender-based violence (GBV) and examine their potential role in ensuring community safety. By addressing harmful gendered norms and practices, traditional institutions could become key agents of change, promoting meaningful social transformations. This study explores the dynamics cultural norms and practices play in community safety, emphasizing the …

Diagnosis By Algorithm: The Transformative Impact Of Social Media–Driven Adhd Self-Diagnosis For Women Over 30 And The Proposal Of Neurotype Strain Theory, Rebecca Lynn Sevin

Dissertations

This dissertation explores the phenomenon of adult women who self-diagnosed Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) through content encountered on social media platforms. Drawing on interpretive phenomenological analysis of ten in-depth interviews, the study investigates the emotional, cognitive, and institutional dimensions of this self-diagnosis process. Participants, all over the age of 30, reported that social media played a transformative role in helping them recognize ADHD traits in themselves. Rather than being misinformed or seeking shortcuts, participants engaged thoughtfully with ADHD-related content, valuing lived experience itself as a meaningful source of recognition and reflection. Their engagement was not primarily with educational materials …

Building Confidence, Building Careers: An Industry-Informed Evaluation Of A High School Aec Camp, Madisen Berube

Construction Management

This study assesses the effectiveness of the Girls Build Summer Academy, an architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) summer camp for high school girls, and similar programs by gathering and analyzing feedback from industry professionals. The research aims to identify which program elements most successfully inspire interest and build foundational skills for young women considering careers in architecture, engineering, and construction. An anonymous survey was distributed to AEC professionals, some who were familiar with the program. The survey included multiple choice, rankings, and open-ended questions to evaluate areas for improvement and future curriculum development. Findings revealed strong support for interactive learning …

Body Choice Of Women-507, Yilin Sun

Masters Theses

This thesis examines the struggle for bodily autonomy through the lens of contemporary art, focusing on 507, a kinetic installation by Yilin (Rebecca) Sun. At the heart of this work lies a powerful meditation on the emotional and political dimensions of reproductive responsibility. In a world where women’s rights over their own bodies are frequently contested, 507 becomes both a vessel of remembrance and a visual act of resistance. It channels the often-silenced experiences of women into a shared space of reflection, mourning, and confrontation.

Rather than offering straightforward answers, 507 presents an enigmatic title and a symbolic language …

A Qualitative Study On The Barriers And Facilitators Of Integrating Women Into The Firefighting Workforce: Perspectives Of Men And Women, Helen Frazer Ph.D. Candidate, Ellie Lawrence-Wood Ph.D., Miranda Van Hooff Ph.D., Amelia Searle Ph.D.

The Qualitative Report

This study explores the barriers and facilitators of integrating women into the firefighting workforce, with insights drawn from both women and men firefighters in South Australia. The research focuses on challenges and supports encountered during recruitment and long-term retention of women in this male-dominated field. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with paid (career) firefighters, with a thematic analysis applied to transcriptions. Key themes identified included occupational challenges (barriers) such as lack of diversity, perception of women as “diversity hires,” ill-fitting uniforms and equipment, unconscious bias, and the hypermasculine culture of the workplace. Women also tended to cope with workplace …

Does Lifetime Stress Influence Chemotherapy Symptoms In Women From Different Racial And Ethnic Groups?, Jemmie Hoang

Sigma Foundation for Nursing Research Grant Reports

We hypothesize women with cancer who identify as a racial and/or ethnic minority will endorse a multitude of lifetime stressors contributing to high symptom(s) severity and burden. This study will be among the first studies to comprehensively describe cumulative life stressors, and its potential influence on cancer symptom burden among racial and/or ethnic minority women with cancer who are receiving chemotherapy. Our study will provide further evidence of the importance of screening for life stressor events that may impact chemotherapy symptom experience.

A Study To Understand The Experiences Of Black American Christian Women In Leadership Positions Who Serve Within The Black Church, Keyona N. Harper

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study contributes to the gap in academic literature through the identification of themes within the participants' experiences of being a Black American female leader within the Black church. This study uses a hermeneutic phenomenological qualitative design to understand the experiences of Black American Christian women in leadership positions who serve within the Black church. The findings offer insight into the role of race, gender, religion, and environmental factors in the human experience. Through this qualitative hermeneutic phenomenological research approach, data were analyzed to find universal themes of commitment to calling, pastor idolization, exclusion, navigating church culture, balancing personal and …

The Influence Of Health Literacy Education On Black Women With Chronic Illness: A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study, Nicole Bonds

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to understand the perceptions of the role health literacy education has on Black women (BW) with chronic illness managing their health at the Undiagnosed and Diagnosed Rare and Chronic Illness Support Group (URCIS) in the United States. The theory that guided this study is the health belief model (HBM), as it suggests that before a person adopts a healthy behavior, they go through six stages first to determine if the behavior change would benefit their health. This study showed the research participants followed the HBM framework as they perceive the threat of illness …

Collateral Damage From A Legacy Of Silence: Redefining Sexual Violence In The American Civil War, 1861-1865, Chandra K. Waller

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation examines the often-overlooked issue of sexual violence during the American Civil War, challenging the myth of Victorian restraint and the romanticized notion of the "gentleman soldier." While traditional Civil War historiography has focused on military strategy, politics, and elite actors, this study foregrounds the experiences of civilian women, particularly enslaved and marginalized women, who were subjected to sexual violence at the hands of soldiers. Drawing on court-martial records, personal letters and diaries, newspaper accounts, and military documents, the paper argues that sexual violence was not an aberration but a systemic and strategic aspect of wartime conduct.

It also …

A Phenomenological Study Of Women Raised In A Single-Mother Household And How They Describe Success As Adults, Nicole L. Nagy

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to understand how women in northeastern Ohio raised in single-mother households described a successful adult life. The theory guiding this study was the family systems theory developed by Murray Bowen between 1954 and 1959, as it defines support from family and social relationships for children raised in single-mother homes.Ten women who were raised in a single mother led household and who were identified as being successful as defined by the terms of this study participated. A qualitative phenomenological approach was utilized which allowed participants to provide detailed descriptions of their lived experiences through …

Age, Race, Religious Commitment, And Fertility Quality Of Life, Dana L. Ward

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Infertility is a major health issue that impacts an individual’s physical, social and mental well-being. Women who are childless due to infertility experience a reduced fertility quality of life. Quality of life is directly related to an individual’s overall well-being and happiness. Using family systems theory, this quantitative research study aimed to answer how age, race, and religious commitment influence the fertility quality of life in women aged 25 to 50 who are involuntarily childless due to infertility. Data were collected from 132 participants using a demographic survey, The Religious Commitment Inventory (RCI-10), and the Fertility Quality of Life Survey …

Addressing Barriers In A Domestic Violence Program For Balkan American Women, Yasmina Isa Malas

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The issue of domestic violence is a pressing concern, both globally and within specific communities, remaining a significant issue with unique implications for Balkan American women. It is important to understand the unique challenges faced by Balkan American women in accessing and benefiting from domestic violence support services and programs. The focus of this case study was a nonprofit behavioral health organization that serves a population of women who have experienced domestic violence abuse in the northeastern part of the United States. Grounded in the Baldrige Excellence Framework, the research investigated the strategies and initiatives of Organization X in reducing …

[2025 Honorable Mention] Pedagogies In The Flesh And Recovery Of Historical Memory From The Perspective Of A Salvadoreña, Janelle I. Martinez

Ethnic Studies Research Paper Award

My submission is a praxis paper. First, I explore the concepts and theories I would like to put into praxis, which are pedagogies in the flesh and recovery of historical memory. I then explain how and why I put them into praxis.

Women In The Traditional Gender System Through Sexualized And Inappropriate Performances In The Modern Advertisements, Ruoning Xia

Communication ETDs

This study examined the body and gender identity performances and narratives of women in different Chinese advertisements, and deconstructed the motivation and representation of humiliation, sexual harassment, and gender offside toward women in public spaces. The study takes feminism, patriarchal capitalism, and rhetorical criticism to analyze the situation of Chinese women’s identity and gender in the traditional gender system, as well as the status of women’s situations with patriarchy and capitalism discourses. Through the analysis of the advertisements, the study criticized the gender (mis)representation of women’s gender identity and bodies among women's identities, bodies, and patriarchy, and deconstructs the gender …

In Their Own Words: Exploring The Political Lives Of Women Legislators In Guam, Sarah G. Elmore-Hernandez

Anthropology

In 2018, Guam experienced a historic political transformation with the election of its first woman governor and a supermajority of women senators. This electoral outcome was widely framed as a feminist milestone, reinforcing dominant narratives that equate increased female representation with progressive policy advancements. This study critically examines these assumptions by shifting the focus from quantitative representation to the political strategies and lived experiences of Guam’s women lawmakers. Employing oral history interviews, this research investigates how lawmakers conceptualize their political roles, navigate institutional structures, and shape legislative agendas. The findings reveal that while many advocate for policy priorities traditionally associated …