Digital Commons Network^™

Improving Governance In Decentralized Systems, Cynthia L. Cooper

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) has invested heavily in non-pharmacological pain management through the Whole Health transformation, the Opioid Safety Initiative, and national CIH expansion efforts. Despite these systemwide priorities, implementation remains uneven across decentralized facilities, revealing barriers that extend beyond logistics or compliance. This study investigated how governance structures, professional norms, and cultural–cognitive logics shape the translation of federal mandates into local clinical practice. Guided by Policy Implementation Theory (PIT) and Institutional Theory (IT), and applying the Integrated Policy Adaptation Model (IPAM), this qualitative inquiry triangulated semi-structured interviews, surveys, and policy document analysis. IPAM’s mechanisms—Leadership Mediation (LM), Frontline Adaptation …

Non-Denominational Female Ministry Leaders' Disciple-Making Experience Using Digital Platforms: A Phenomenological Study, Vorlea C. Chaney

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

A global pandemic in the winter of 2020 forced the faith community to close its doors in the interest of public safety. Due to the closings, the faith community resorted to digital platforms to continue to make disciples, according to Matthew 28:19-20 (King James Version, 1991). Jun (2020) asserts the current digital age is poised to be the next industrial revolution used by the church to make disciples. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to investigate female ministry leader’s digital disciple-making experience. According to Leedy and Ormrod (2019), “the term phenomenology refers to a person’s perception of the …

A Predictive Correlational Study Of User Acceptance Of Electronic Medical Record Systems In Nursing Higher Educational Institutions, Clara Awosika

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative, predictive correlational study was to examine the extent to which perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use predict behavioral intention and actual usage of electronic medical record systems among nurses who have passed the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses. Using the Technology Acceptance Model, this study sought to address a gap in the literature regarding the level of user acceptance and utilization of EMR systems among nursing students during their training in higher education institutions. Participants included 85 actively licensed nurses who used EMR systems during their academic preparation. Data were collected using …

Perceptions Of Recent Special Education Graduates Of The Transition Programming Taxonomy: Transcendental Phenomenological Research, Karen Sue Rozmus

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological research study was to develop an understanding of recent special education graduates' perceptions of transition programming taxonomy at a southern coastal community. Maslow’s theory of the hierarchy of needs was used. This theory directly relates to the study showing how important understanding the perceptions of support the recent special education graduates during their lived experiences as they transition into adulthood. The Central Research Question was: What are recent special education graduates’ perceptions of transition programming taxonomy? This transcendental phenomenological research study of 10 participants was designed to use data collected from independent interviews, focus …

The Role Of Human Resources In Developing Effective Leadership To Cultivate A Future-Ready Pipeline Of Leaders For Success Assurance, Betzaida Aponte

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The problem addressed in this study was that organizations lack a future-ready pipeline of leaders to ensure a smooth transition amid unprecedented technological change. The purpose of this flexible design single-case study was to understand how organizations establish a future-ready pipeline of leaders capable of navigating rapid technological advancements. Utilizing a post-positivist qualitative approach with methodological triangulation, data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 23 human resources professionals and the quantitative Leadership Practices Inventory–Self instrument administered to 25 senior and aspiring leaders. Thematic analysis revealed critical structural failures within traditional succession planning. Key findings demonstrated a severe transparency gap, where …

Canine And Equine Behaviors In Therapy: An Exploratory Multiple Case Study, Sarah E. Montano

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) utilizes animals in the treatment of clients with mental health disorders. Dogs and horses are often used in this modality, but studies have not explored the use of these two types of animals in AAT to discover if there are similarities and differences in the behaviors the animals display during therapeutic sessions. The present study utilized interviews with clinicians providing canine-assisted therapy or equine-assisted therapy to investigate similarities and differences. The interviews were audio and video recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was used to identify key themes regarding the behaviors of the animals. The analysis showed …

Organizational Outcomes In Crisis: A Multi-Case Exploration Of Leadership Practices In High-Stakes Crises, Robert Thomas Calderwood

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative multiple case study was to explore how organizational leaders navigate high-stakes crises, with a focus on cognitive, emotional, and crisis response leadership processes, as well as decision-making, and organizational factors that influence outcomes. Grounded in a pragmatic research paradigm, this study explored the experiences of leaders across multiple industries that frequently encounter high-stakes crisis events. Research data was collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis to identify patterns and key themes. The findings revealed that crisis leadership is a dynamic and iterative process characterized by cognitive processing, emotional regulation, crisis response behaviors, and …

Anchored In The Shifting Tides: An Interpretive Phenomenological Study Of Paramedic Resilience And Worldviews, David Eric Wolff

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to explore the experiences of paramedics in Western society, who self-report sustaining positive psychological well-being despite their emotionally and psychologically demanding work, examining the interplay of their narrative identity, spirituality, worldviews, and social connections. The stories paramedics construct about their realities can reveal the underlying meanings and how their role has molded who they are, best viewed through a threefold constructivist theoretical framework: narrative identity theory to understand how paramedics make sense of their experiences, transformational learning theory to identify how paramedics adjust their worldviews to while coping, and posttraumatic growth theory …

Bridging The Gap: Teacher's Perspectives On Trauma-Informed Care And It's Implementation In Schools, Alyssa Erika Jimenez

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Childhood trauma exposure is a profound public health concern with significant impacts on overall development and long-term physical and mental health. However, a critical gap remains in understanding how these experiences manifest in school settings. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to gain an understanding of teacher perspectives on trauma and trauma-informed care approaches in school settings and level of competence and support by administration when encountering potential trauma-induced behaviors in the classroom. Data were collected utilizing semi-structured audio-recorded interviews and open-ended questionnaires from four educators who had some form of experience with trauma-informed care practices. Thematic analysis …

The Faculty Advisor's Role In Student Retention And Success: A Case Study From The Student Perspective, Alice Lorraine Buchanan

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this collective case study was to understand the role of faculty advisors in student retention of traditional full-time undergraduate students in their final year of study at a four-year university. Guided by Bean’s theoretical model of student attrition, this study examined how organizational interactions influence students’ attitudes, advising satisfaction, and subsequent intent to leave. The Central Research Question was: How do faculty advisors influence student retention for traditional full-time undergraduate students in their final year at a four-year university? The setting was a small, faith-based, highly residential, private university in the Midwestern United States, where faculty advisors …

Psychological Impact Of Career Roles On African American Women: A Qualitative Study On The Long-Term Effects On Behavioral Health Providers' Field, Yolanda Seals-Stewart

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

There is an untold narrative regarding the levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. This leaves a gap in researchers understanding systemic, cultural, and social factors that shape mental health outcomes in a unique way. There is also a deeper need for exploration of resiliency and coping skills strategies utilized by African American women in the behavioral health field, as well as how behaviors such as discrimination, workplace dynamics, and microaggression impact the overall psyche. By addressing these gaps, a more thorough understanding of the long-term psychological effect can be addressed, and these women can receive support mechanisms and interventions that …

Supporting Parents Of Pre-Adolescents: Equipping Parents Through Focused Instruction On Biblical Parenting Practices, Lillian Michelle Mitchell

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This action research project addresses the problem that parents and grandparents of pre-adolescent children at Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church do not receive sufficient intentional spiritual support, biblical guidance, and instruction to teach them how to raise their children using parenting skills grounded in a biblical worldview. The purpose of this research was to equip parents and grandparents of pre-adolescent children with biblically based parenting skills using an eight-week group study. The project examined the results of the Bible study group, which focused on Genesis 1:26, Deuteronomy 6:5-9, Proverbs 22:6, Luke 2:46, Ephesians 6:1-4, and Titus 2:1-8. The study implemented …

A Phenomenological Study Of The Experience Of Nigerian Christian Clergy Of Persecution And Insecurity In Nigeria, John Ekwoanya

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe the lived experiences of Nigerian Christian clergy and persecution and insecurity in Nigeria using an online site. The central research question was: How do Nigerian Christian clergy describe their experiences in meeting the expectations of their congregants and communities amidst persecution and insecurity? Interviews were conducted to collect data from 10 participants and an analysis was performed. The results showed that Nigerian Christian clergy, under threats of fear, still meet the needs of their congregants, and that the congregants continue to seek support from their clergy. It was also found that …

Walking With The Wounded: Chaplains As Agents Of Christ’S Healing Ministry, Fred Okechukwu Anucha

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This Doctor of Ministry action research project evaluated the effectiveness of an eight-week Christ-centered training intervention designed to strengthen hospital chaplains’ confidence and clarify sacramental boundaries in end-of-life care at AdventHealth Celebration. Hospital chaplains frequently encounter situations in which patients and families request sacramental or spiritually significant practices during moments of crisis, yet chaplains often lack structured training that addresses how to respond with both pastoral sensitivity and theological clarity within a multifaith healthcare environment.

The project implemented an eight-week training program that integrated theological reflection, case-based discussion, and practical ministry applications intended to strengthen chaplains’ confidence in providing spiritual …

The Influence Of Love During Childhood On Young Adult Relationships And Psychological Wellbeing In Rural Appalachia, Kerry Ann Saul Wheeler

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This quantitative correlational study examined the relationships among childhood love, relationship love attitudes, and psychological wellbeing among young adults with childhood experiences in rural Appalachia. Childhood love was operationalized through adult attachment styles, specifically avoidant and anxious attachment, using the Experiences in Close Relationships–Short Form (ECR-S). Love attitudes were measured using the Love Attitudes Scale–Short Form (LAS-S), and psychological wellbeing was assessed using Ryff’s Scales of Psychological Well-Being–18 (PWB). The sample consisted of 88 participants between the ages of 21 and 35. Pearson’s correlation analyses revealed significant negative relationships between attachment insecurity and psychological wellbeing, indicating that higher levels of …

Structuring Support: Designing Sustainable Administrative Models For Music Education In Christian K-12 Schools, Haven Clippinger

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study examined the impact of administrative structures in K–12 Christian schools on the sustainability of music education programs and the degree to which those programs align with the school’s mission. Many faith-based schools saw music as a formative part of education, yet they struggled to sustain consistent programs because of limited funding, small staffs, and uneven curricula. Through a qualitative, applied multiple–case study design, this research explored how theology, leadership, and institutional systems work together to build sustainable music programs. The researcher collected data through semi-structured interviews and document analysis from Christian schools representing classical, contemporary, and hybrid models. …

Barn To Brain: Relationship Between Farm Animal Interaction And Well-Being In Rural Adults, Tiffany N. Hendershot

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study examined the relationship between naturally occurring farm animal interactions and overall well-being among rural adults living in the central Appalachian region, specifically western Maryland, south-central Pennsylvania, and the eastern panhandle of West Virginia. A cross-sectional, correlational design was used to compare adults with at least five hours of naturally occurring farm animal contact per week to those with less than one hour of contact per week. Overall well-being was measured with the PERMA-Profiler, and heart rate variability (HRV) was measured using wearable devices as a physiological indicator of autonomic health. Grounded in polyvagal theory, the biophilia hypothesis, and …

A Causal-Comparative Analysis Of General Self-Efficacy And Social Media Use Among College Students With Differing Political Affiliations, Jennifer Lee Wool

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative, causal-comparative research was to determine whether there was a statistically significant difference in general self-efficacy and integration of social media use among college students who were Democrats compared to those who were Republicans. This is a relevant research topic because college students are a priority in the educational system, with attention to their general well-being, academic performance, and the effects of social media on their lives. There is a lack of research on this topic regarding political affiliation. The sample consisted of 165 college students from various colleges and universities. Participants were recruited from an …

A Phenomenological Study Examining The Challenges Mothers Face With Reentry Into The Workforce After Giving Birth, Carrie Bell

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe the lived experiences of new mothers with postpartum depression (PPD) who reentered the workforce in Arkansas. The study aimed to discover the psychological, organizational, and social difficulties these mothers experienced during the transition from maternity leave to regular employment. Using feminist theory, attachment theory, and social constructivism as guiding frameworks, the study investigated the effects of gendered workplace structures, interrupted maternal-infant bonding, and sociocultural expectations in shaping how mothers perceived themselves and their work. A purposive sampling strategy was applied to select participants who had returned to work within one year …

Reporting For Double Duty: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study Of The Lived Experiences Of Graduate Student-Parents Rearing Young Children In Online Graduate Programs In The United States, Bridgette Oludolapo Ojo

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to understand the lived experiences of graduate student-parents rearing young children aged five and under while enrolled in online graduate programs in the United States. The theory guiding this study was Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory, as it supports an examination of how graduate student-parents’ lived experiences are shaped by interactions across family, academic, institutional, and societal systems. The central research question was: What are the lived experiences of graduate student-parents rearing young children while pursuing online graduate programs? Utilizing this transcendental phenomenological design, the study employed qualitative methods to examine the lived …

Exploring The Role Of Multimedia Instruction In K-8 Curricular Curation: A Phenomenological Study In Rural Public Schools, Brooke Elizabeth Pelfrey

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to discover individual experiences with instructional design, specifically in the area of multimedia instruction for educators in at the Sunnyside School System. The theory guiding this study was cognitive learning theory, as it provided a structure from which educator knowledge of instructional design could be examined. The central research question was “How do K-8 educators describe their lived experience of selecting, modifying, and creating curricular components of multimedia instruction?” This study followed a transcendental phenomenology approach to qualitative research. The study was conducted utilizing ten participants who were licensed elementary or secondary educators …

Given The Systematic Theological Analysis With A Practical Theological Target Of Creation Care, A Christian Worldview Provides Robust Reasons For Protecting And Promoting The Fecundity Of Non-Human Animals, Joshua Forystek

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

When a systematic theological analysis with a practical theological target of creation care is taken, a Christian worldview provides robust reasons for protecting and promoting the fecundity of non-human animals. This multifaceted approach brings cohesion and specificity into the area of Christian stewardship toward creation care.

The Association Between Diet Quality, Nutritional Knowledge, Low Energy Availability, And Eating Disorder Risk In Collegiate Student-Athletes, Laurel Koontz Awald

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study aimed to investigate the association between diet quality, nutritional knowledge, low energy availability, and eating disorder risk in a sample of collegiate student-athletes across several sporting disciplines. The quantitative cross-sectional survey was developed using validated questionnaires to investigate diet quality (The Athlete Diet Index), nutritional knowledge (The Platform for Evaluating Athlete Knowledge in Sports – Nutrition Questionnaire), low energy availability (The Low Energy Availability in Females Questionnaire and Low Energy Availability in Males Questionnaire), and eating disorder risk (DESA – 6). College athletes were recruited from Division I and III universities: (N = 31) from the track and …

A Phenomenological Study Of The Experiences Of Facilitators Who Attended A Training Program And Led An Experiential Couple’S Workshop Influenced By The Principles Of Emotionally Focused Therapy, Isabelle Valenciano

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to describe relationship educators’ lived experiences of attending a facilitator training and leading an experiential couple’s workshop grounded in emotionally focused therapy. Experiential learning theory (Kolb, 1984) was the lens used to gain a better understanding of participants’ concrete, novel experiences. Marriage education programs may be an intervention method for distressed couples seeking relationship assistance, prevention, and preparation. As an intervention, marriage education programs show promise for improving several aspects of relationships (Gordon et al., 2019). The increased number of distressed couples in marriage education workshops and programs indicates the need for …

Increasing Success Of Elementary Music Students With Special Needs Through Peer-Assisted Learning Strategies, Catherine N. Peacock

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Despite the federal laws for students with disabilities and their mandated inclusion, many elementary music teachers are under-prepared or lack resources to include students with severe disabilities in general music classes. Adapting procedures, expectations, and content delivery to include peer tutors who assist students with disabilities may be key to success for students with exceptionalities. This case study sought to explore the possibilities of reimagining the traditional elementary music classroom as an inclusive, collaborative space for cooperative learning and music-making by fostering peer relationships and peer tutoring. Utilizing a qualitative case study observational approach, this research explored how to best …

Discipleship-Led, Servant Leadership: A Process For Equipping And Training Simultaneously In The Local, Revitalizing Church, Joseph Raymond Noel Smith

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Church revitalization has been a topic of conversation in church circles for the better part of the last two decades. While numerous books and trainings have been produced to facilitate the many necessary components of church growth required for revitalization, still more than 3400 churches close their doors annually (Rainer, 2020). Additionally, 39% of professing Christians are not currently engaged in any form of discipleship (Barna, 2022) while 45% of churches are utilizing volunteers to accomplish the work of the ministry (The Unstuck Group, 2017). These numbers indicate a substantial need within the church for a program which can simultaneously …

A Phenomenological Study Of Early Educator Experiences Regarding The Educational And Developmental Benefits Of Play-Based Learning For Children Identified With Special Needs In Inclusive Early Education Classrooms, Karen Renée Gallagher

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study is to understand what are the lived experiences of early childhood educators with providing play-based learning experiences in inclusive classrooms. The theory guiding this study is Jean Piaget’s Cognitive Development theory. This phenomenological study focused on understanding the perceptions and experiences of early childhood educators in regard to how play-based learning supports school readiness within early care and education environments. The focus of the study included educators who care for and teach children between the ages of birth to five years old within inclusive, state licensed early childhood learning environments located in the …

Perceived Mattering As A Cognitive-Affective Factor In Academic Behavior: Exploring Its Role In Achievement Motivation, Self-Handicapping, And Academic Performance In The Post-Secondary Context, Audrene Kerr-Brown

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The study examined the role of perceived mattering in the academic experiences of post-secondary students, focusing on its association with academic motivation, self-handicapping behavior, and academic performance. Grounded in Rosenberg and McCullough’s mattering theory, and informed by the social cognitive theory, self-determination theory, attribution theory, the looking-glass self, and protective motivation theory, a quantitative research design was employed utilizing regression and two-way ANOVA analyses. The study hypothesized that higher perceived mattering would be positively associated with intrinsic motivation and negatively associated with extrinsic motivation, that higher perceived mattering would reduce self-handicapping, and that academic performance differences would exist across gender …

A Qualitative Single Case Study To Understand What Types Of Support Best Enable Early Childhood Teachers In A Mid-Atlantic State To Achieve Curriculum Fidelity, And How These Supports Benefit Teacher Practice And Classroom Outcomes, Tatiana Rizzotto Queenan

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative single case study was to understand what types of support best enabled early childhood education teachers achieve curriculum fidelity and how these supports benefited teacher practice and classroom outcomes in a mid-Atlantic state. The theory guiding this study was Domitrovich et al.’s conceptual framework for maximizing the implementation of quality of evidence-based preventive interventions in schools. The central research question that was answered during this case study was: What support best enables early childhood education teachers in a mid-Atlantic state to achieve curriculum fidelity, and how do these supports benefit teacher practice and classroom outcomes? …

Faith And Flourishing: Describing The Lived Experiences Of Christian Counselors Who Integrate Christian Faith Into Their Wellness, Angela Joy Stanley

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe the lived experience of counselors who integrate Christian faith into their wellness. The basis for this study was rooted in the work of Myers and Sweeney’s (2004) model of the indivisible self and the spiritual framework of coping for optimal health as introduced by Walker et al. (2015). Both models provide a holistic approach to wellness that recognizes the complexities of wellbeing which require the integration of multiple dimensions. Further, each model points to spirituality as an essential part of wellness. The research questions that guided this study were as follows: …