Digital Commons Network^™

The Impact Of The Mental Health Epidemic On Recruitment And Retention Of High School Male Singers, Trish Gladstone

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative methods study examines the impact of the mental health pandemic on the recruitment and retention of male choral members in Pennsylvania high school music choral programs since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic. Enrollment in many choral programs increased since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, but the number of male enrollment is rising slower than ever. This thesis explores existing literature, personal interviews, and student focus group results to understand how mental health affects male singers quitting or remaining in the choral program. Research and investigations into the impact of the mental health pandemic in choral classrooms …

The Role Of Hymnody In Shaping Religious Identity And Beliefs In Churches: An Ethnographic Case Study In The Chesapeake Conference Of Seventh-Day Adventists, Erwin Gabriel Nanasi

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study explores how varying worship style preferences influence worship experiences, theological beliefs, and sense of belonging among clergy and congregants within the Chesapeake Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. While music and hymnody are integral to Adventist worship, differing stylistic preferences can lead to tensions, satisfaction gaps, and fragmented community life. Despite the formative role of congregational singing in shaping religious identity, little research has examined these dynamics within the Adventist context. Using a mixed-methods ethnographic case study design, the research combines qualitative interviews with 26 pastors and quantitative survey data from 257 congregants across diverse churches. It investigates the criteria …

Evaluating The Impact Of Anti-Vaccine Online Search Trends During The Covid-19 Pandemic On Adolescent Pertussis-Containing Vaccine Completion, Deborah L. Fisher

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Adolescent completion of pertussis-containing vaccines is a public health concern, especially with rising online anti-vaccine misinformation. Incomplete vaccination increases risk for preventable diseases and impacts community health. A gap in the literature on the relationship between online anti-vaccine search trends during the COVID-19 pandemic and adolescent pertussis vaccine completion was addressed in this quantitative, repeated cross-sectional study. Andersen’s behavioral model of health services use guided the study. Secondary data from the 2019 and 2022 National Immunization Survey-Teen (NIS-Teen) compared adolescents aged 13–17 in the five U.S. states with the highest (n=5,464) versus the five with the lowest (n=3.031) population-adjusted anti-vaccine …

Experiences Of Black Women School Counselors Coping With Student Suicide, Megan Patrice Ray

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Suicide represents a major public health and educational concern and presents profound emotional and professional challenges for school counselors. This transcendental phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of nine certified school counselors of color who had experienced the death of a student by suicide while employed in K–12 educational settings. With this research, I sought to answer the question: What are the lived experiences of school counselors of color who have had a student die by suicide? Guided by Moustakas’ transcendental phenomenological framework, this study employed bracketing to set aside researcher bias and uncover the essence of participants lived experiences …

Perceived Effective Strategies For Teaching English Language Learners In Secondary Choral Settings, Corrina Guadalupe

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

As the population of English Learners (ELs) continues to grow in U.S. public schools, secondary music educators must be equipped to provide inclusive and equitable instruction. This study investigates secondary choral directors’ challenges, instructional strategies, and beliefs in supporting EL students. Survey responses from 17 choral educators and follow-up interviews with two participants revealed that language barriers, time constraints, and insufficient training were the most frequently cited obstacles. Educators reported using strategies such as repetition, simplified language, and peer support systems; however, tools like bilingual materials and translation technology were underutilized despite being perceived as effective. Interview data emphasized fostering …

Honor, Courage, And Commitment: Institutional Betrayal And Military Identity In Veterans With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Amanda Reine Bedford-Rank

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Military veterans diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) experience elevated suicide risk and face unique treatment barriers; however, few studies have examined the role of military-specific constructs in shaping these barriers. This quantitative-correlational study investigated the relationship between institutional betrayal, self-stigma, military identity, and help-seeking attitudes among a sample of U.S. military veterans with PTSD (N = 142). This study also applied semi-qualitative questions to explore military-related trauma themes, PTSD literacy, neuroplasticity, PTSD perceptions, and military acknowledgment. Statistical analysis using SPSS revealed significant positive correlations between institutional betrayal and self-stigma, and a negative relationship with help-seeking attitudes. Notably, the Department …

The Role Of Moral Distress On Burnout And Spiritual Well-Being Among Clinical Healthcare Professionals, Stephanie R. Russell

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Clinical healthcare professionals often encounter situations in the workplace that create moral distress, influence spiritual well-being, and lead to the development of burnout. Much of the current research focuses on healthcare employees’ experiences with burnout and morality at work during the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically among Asian and Middle Eastern populations. Gaps that exist in the current research include an examination of moral distress among clinical healthcare professionals in the United States in the post-COVID-19 era and an examination of the relationships between moral distress, burnout, and spiritual well-being. The current study aims to fill the gaps in the research by …

Remote Teacher Retention: A Phenomenological Study Applying The Jobs Demands-Resource, Jasser Jacob Khalifeh

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe the lived experiences of current and former United States (U.S.) K-12 remote instructors. The problem is that educator retention is at a crisis point in the U.S. To help combat the severe and persistent teacher shortages plaguing America, leaders must capture the genuine perceptions of the virtual teaching experience. The guiding theory for this investigation is the Jobs-Demand Resource (JD-R) Model and the influence of job characteristics on teacher well-being, motivation, and retention. The central research question driving this study is, “What are the lived experiences of remote instructors?” A qualitative …

A Woman’S Worth: A Portrait Of Single, Unmarried Women In Fiction, Megan V. Jenkins

Masters Theses

This thesis explores the characterization of single women and the theme of singleness in fiction and explores how nineteenth-century British literature portrayed single women using the writers’ observations of societal standards and cultural shifts throughout the century. The artist statement delves into the inspiration and origins of the project, along with a personal journey to faith. The critical paper titled “A Portrait of Single Women in Nineteenth-Century British Literature” analyzes five British novels, Emma, Jane Eyre, Shirley, Middlemarch, and The Portrait of a Lady, that discuss single women or have a theme of singleness. The creative manuscript portion is the …

Designing For Neurodiversity: Creating Adhd-Friendly Digital Publications, Yenelys Acosta Baxter

Masters Theses

Current digital publications often fail to meet the needs of neurodiverse audiences, such as those with ADHD, which leads to low engagement and cognitive overload. This thesis explored how ADHD-friendly designs can be incorporated into current digital magazines to create accessible and engaging reading content for neurodiverse readers. Providing a guide can assist with creating more diverse content and allows designers to have a reference for future publications. The research applied also goes over the literature review, case studies, visual analysis, and surveys to help showcase the best results for designing for ADHD readers. Some of the case studies' main …

Multicultural Worship: How A Korean-Led Multicultural Church In America Works Toward Unity Through Diverse Worship, Kylie Barbara Halter

Masters Theses

This study follows Praise International Ministry (PIM), part of Praise Assembly of God in Springfield, Missouri, United States, for their first year of ministry. The pastor of the ministry is a Korean immigrant, and the ministry has served people from at least ten different nations, including China, Japan, Mexico, and Egypt. The goal of the study was to find out how a congregation made up of multiple cultures could attain unity.

To answer the above question, the researcher observed the congregation by attending services, as well as serving on the worship team and attending leadership meetings. In addition, she conducted …

Faith In Fiction As A Craft Element: A Great Way Off, Leah Matlock

Masters Theses

The following thesis includes an artist statement, critical paper, and the first ten chapters of my novel, A Great Way Off, that I began writing at the beginning of my academic career in 2019. This piece ultimately showcases all I have learned through my degree and how I have incorporated my faith into my writing.

My artist statement discusses why I am passionate about including the Gospel in everything I write along with the inspiration and story behind A Great Way Off. The critical paper discusses the importance of integrating faith into literature, as well as an examination of the …

Social Media Collegiate Athletic Recruiting: Perception Versus Reality, Reagan Elizabeth Underwood

Masters Theses

This qualitative case study looks at how social media is used in the social media process by both current high school athletes and college coaches to determine if athletes are properly presenting themselves to create recruiting opportunities. The study was built on a foundation of impression management theory and the usage of social media as a frontstage. Utilizing a semi-structured format, six high school athletes and six college coaches were interviewed, and thirteen themes were identified through thematic analysis. Comparing the six coach themes and seven athlete themes, the study divulges that high school athletes prioritize displaying athletic ability accomplishments, …

A Qualitative Study Exploring The Effects Of Adverse Childhood Experiences On Development And The Role Of Resilience In Shaping Adult Life, Rebecca Anderson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative study investigated the impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on development and examines how resilience shapes adult outcomes. Early life experiences significantly influence an individual's lifelong development, with childhood experiences playing a particularly crucial role. Adverse childhood experiences, which encompass abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction, are recognized as a major public health concern due to their association with health disparities and psychosocial issues in various aspects of life, including substance use, relationships, education, and employment. Despite these challenges, some individuals demonstrate remarkable resilience, adapting to new circumstances and maintaining normal functioning in the face of adversity. Themes from …

Social Media, Religion, And Anxiety: Comparison Of Age Groups, Kaye Eileen Redeker

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Social media has become an integral part of daily life for all age groups. The current research is mixed, showing both positive and negative effects from social media on mental health. This study aimed to examine how the duration of social media use compared with anxiety levels, and if religiosity had any effect on social media use and anxiety. It also wanted to determine if there was a correlation between religiosity and social media use, and how social media use and religiosity predicted anxiety. This study filled a gap in research by extending previous studies beyond adolescents and by including …

Successful Habits Of Small Historically Black College And University Band Programs, William Thomas Brooks

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative study is to identify successful habits associated with the establishment, development, and sustainability of historically black college and university band programs consisting of less than 128 instrumentalists. The success of large Historically Black College and University (HBCU) band programs often highlights and markets the brand of the HBCU experience. Despite the gleaming success of widely popular schools, there is varied success among smaller programs with less visibility. HBCU bands around the country operate with fewer than 128 band instrumentalists, with some demonstrating more successful behaviors than their larger counterparts. Despite their efforts, these programs sometimes …

Balance And Blend: Quality Of Life And Work-Life Balance In Military Reservist Band Directors, Jeremy Ryan White

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Despite the research on work-life balance and stress management in various fields and stages of life, the perspectives of music educators serving in the military as part-time reservist musicians have yet to be explored. Teachers with a desire to serve in the military may find the part-time status appealing, as most duties are performed on weekends or during the summer. While there are many benefits to serving one’s country as a reservist, this second career may place added stress on the service members and their families. This qualitative hermeneutic phenomenological study will gather data via qualitative surveys collected from Military …

Faith, Hope For The Culture, And Love: Exploring The Influence Of Faith And Culture On Marital Resiliency Amongst African American Christians, Alena M. Crawley

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study is to describe African American Christian couples’ experiences with the influence of their faith and culture on their marital relationship. The theory guiding this study is the strengths-based perspective which was developed in the mid-1980s by Professor Charles Rapp and students from the University of Kansas as it provides context for the examination of strengths unique to a specific population and how these strengths can be utilized as a tool for improved success. Relative to this study, the researcher sought to explore the contributions of faith and culture in strengthening the marital experience for …

The Relationship Between Health Status, Physical Activity, And Employment On Life Satisfaction In Adults, Lau Hung Yin

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Life satisfaction is influenced by various factors such as health, physical activity, and employment status, emphasizing the multidimensional nature of well-being. The purpose of this quantitative cross-sectional study is to examine the relationship between health status, physical activity level, and employment status on life satisfaction among adults in the U.S. The importance of this study focused on understanding how these factors influence life satisfaction. The research question focused on assessing the interconnectedness of these variables. The participants of the study are non-institutionalized civilian adults residing in the fifty states and the District of Columbia. The study involved a total sample …

Perceptions Of Congregational Engagement In Evangelical Church Worship Programs, Tim Allums

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Despite existing research on worship leader training and choosing music for congregational worship, a study on the perceptions of congregational worship engagement from the perspectives of worship leaders and congregants has yet to be examined. Congregational worship is formational and helps believers continue to grow in their faith by singing their praise to God with one voice and declaring the tenets of their shared faith. This study sought to reveal perceptions of worship engagement by surveying nineteen worship leaders and one hundred fifteen congregants from thirty-nine evangelical churches around the United States to identify the musical aspects that either enhance …

The Interplay Between Hospitality And Patronage In The Greco-Roman World And Its Implications For Reading Third John, Julie L. Denham

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation will seek to explore the social concepts found within the Book of Third John, examining the intricate and nuanced relationship between hospitality and patronage in early first-century Christian communities. By employing a comprehensive approach that integrates historical, cultural, and theological methodologies, this study aims to delve deeply into the multifaceted roles these practices played in shaping the social, spiritual, and theological framework of the early Church. Specifically, this dissertation seeks to address the following questions: How did first-century Christian communities navigate the interplay between hospitality and patronage as reflected in Third John? How did these practices influence communal …

Common Ground: A Phenomenological Ethnographic Inquiry In Intercultural Communication, Telling Stories With The Oglala Lakota People On The Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, Sd, Laura C. Fong

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

An interdisciplinary and collaborative movement in cross-cultural research is emerging and challenging Western academic practices in the United States. As a non-indigenous Communications scholar working on the Pine Ridge Reservation, I was unable to find a model, or scholarship that included the practical application of theory and methods for scholarship with Indigenous Americans. Over a ten-year period, I documented stories and worked with Lakota elder Unci Rita Long Visitor Holy Dance and her son Nathan Blindman to develop a mutually beneficial working relationship.

Successful cross-cultural scholarship using Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) and Participatory Action Research (PAR) methodologies, Intercultural Communication Theory …

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 …

Exploration Of The Congruence Between Environmental Concerns And Eco-Spirituality Programming At Retreat Centers As Experienced By Participants, Jean Golicz

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this multiple-embedded case study was to explore the role of environmental awareness and concerns in influencing engagement in retreat practices that were organized around the theme of eco-spirituality and the impact on organizational leadership and program development at two retreat centers in the northeastern region of the United States. Roman Catholic retreat centers were the focus of the study as they endeavored to fulfill leadership directives reflected in the papal encyclical Laudato si’. The centers examined offered immersion in nature, reflection on the interdependence of organic systems, and the development of action plans to address environmental issues. …

An Applied Multimethod Study: Addressing The Problem Of Property Integrity Issues In The State Of Alabama, Suzanna Kirkpatrick Taylor

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This applied multimethod study addressed the problem of property integrity issues in the state of Alabama. The central research question aimed to discover how property integrity issues could be identified and reduced within the state. The multimethod design utilized qualitative and quantitative data collection methods framed with Cohen and Felson’s (1979) routine activity theory across semi-structured interviews, content analysis of online news articles posted to the International Association for Property and Evidence’s Headline News webpage, and a survey questionnaire. Data observations revealed the problem of property integrity issues was complex. Target suitability for property items being stolen was found to …

First-Generation College Students' Transition Experiences After A Bridge Program, Alison Irvine Mcmurry

Theses and Dissertations

First-generation college students (FGCS) often encounter greater challenges than their peers. Universities offer transition programs like bridge programs, orientations, and advising, but service gaps contribute to FGCS difficulties. Bridge programs are often implemented for specific student groups that the university believes to be at-risk or more vulnerable than their peers. Targeted students are asked to come to campus early for additional training, education, and advising. The program is thought to bridge the gap between what they know and what they need to know to be college-ready and on-level with their peers. This case study examines the transition experiences of seven …

"That's Not Happening To My Kid:" Six Chicago Public Schools' Families Speak Out, Julie Parson Nesbitt

Theses and Dissertations from DePaul University

The purpose of this qualitative research study was to understand the experiences of six diverse families when Chicago Public Schools (CPS) failed to meet their children’s educational needs. The children attended grades k-8 in four Chicago neighborhoods. Nine family members from three generations were interviewed. They related school responses to their children’s behavior, and emphasized school failures and refusal to communicate with them and to provide and implement IEP and 504 Plans for their children. In response, family members advocated within and outside of CPS, searched for resources, used insider knowledge, bonded with other parents, and made major life changes. …

The Impact Of Artificial Intelligence On Art: The Intersection Of Ai-Generated Images And Ethical Concerns, Tetiana Fedotova

Electronic Dissertations and Theses, 2010-current

Artificial intelligence (AI) has gotten significant attention and debates, especially within the creative community, regarding AI-generated visual content. AI-generated images relate to the most popular concerns among artists and designers. This new approach of using AI leads to redefining the culture of creativity that shaped values and principles, which was built by a traditional perspective. However, the ongoing development of open-AI-powered generative tools is challenging society’s adoption of AI in creative realms. This paper explores and analyzes expert opinions and the public perspective of AI-generated algorithms, shedding light on fears and excitement surrounding their influences. Subsequently, ethical concerns, which are …

A Qualitative Study Of Registered Nurses’ Perceptions Of The Impact Communication Modalities Have On Patient Care Outcomes In Primary Care, Eleanor M. Chapital

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Communication plays a vital role in the provision of patient care and directly impacts patient care outcomes across the care continuum. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore and determine registered nurses’ perceptions of the communication modalities that facilitate optimum patient care outcomes in the primary care setting. Registered nurses play a critical role in the provision and coordination of patient care. Therefore, it is imperative to study their experiences and perceptions to facilitate communication within primary care teams. The central research question for this study was the following: How do registered nurses describe their use of communication …

Voices Of Change: Narratives Of African Americans And Their Recommendations For Reforming Law Enforcement Practices, Tanisha N. Hines-Johnson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The focus of this study was to explore real-life experiences African Americans have with law enforcement to suggest changes that can be put into action to improve interactions, fairness, and accountability. This study, which makes use of a case study technique, examined perceptions of police interactions and engagement from the viewpoints of community members. The study specifically responded to the following two research questions: 1) What is the narrative of individuals in the African American community regarding law enforcement? 2) What changes do participants suggest are needed to improve interactions and establish a better relationship between the African American community …