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The Diamond, November 14, 2025, Dordt University

Dordt Diamond

• Front Page: Feenstra Launches Iowa State Governor Campaign at Dordt University; NC/DC - Battle of the Bands Returns to Campus; Women in Ministry - Winding Journeys
• News: Goodbye Grille, Hello Defender Coffee Co.; Campus Ministries Hosts Student Testimony Night; Sudan Civil War Affects Millions
• Feature: Dr. Visscher's NASA-Funded Research; Delight at Dordt - A New Women's Ministry Group for College Students; Life Diagnosed with Type One Diabetes; A Story in the Struggle - Dr. Schaap's New Book; Sioux Center Songwriters Club Creatively Collaborate; The Dish on Dordt Designs; Life on Jacob's Ladder
• Arts & Entertainment: Art …

Childhood Events And Counseling Experiences Of Chinese And Korean American Transracial Adoptees, Mele Kramer, Lee Stadtlander

Journal of Social, Behavioral, and Health Sciences

From the 1950s through 2024, transracial adoptions—particularly of Korean and Chinese children—have been increasingly prevalent in Western societies. While these adoptions provided children with opportunities to grow up in loving and supportive families, they also introduced unique challenges related to identity, cultural integration, and self-esteem. This basic qualitative study aimed to explore the lived experiences of Chinese and Korean transracial adoptees (TRAs) within their adoptive families, in their interactions with counseling, and their perceptions of the effectiveness of counseling interventions. The study was grounded in Relational-Cultural Theory (RCT) and the Openness to Communication framework to examine the experiences of 19 …

Strategies To Improve Employee Retention And Organizational Performance In Healthcare, Paula Faye Guillory

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

A lack of effective strategies to improve employee retention and organizational performance is a concern for healthcare leaders. Without such strategies, organizations may incur costs through recruitment and training, reduce productivity due to workflow disruption and knowledge gaps, damage employee morale by increasing workloads for remaining employees, and harm the organization’s reputation, potentially affecting patient relationships, hindering growth, and eroding any competitive advantage. Grounded in Penrose’s resource-based view theory, this qualitative pragmatic inquiry was to identify and explore the effective strategies healthcare leaders use to improve employee retain and organizational performance. Participants were six leaders of healthcare organizations located in …

Staff Education Project To Improve Management Of Depression, Maryjane Henshaw

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

I designed this Doctor of Nursing Practice staff education project to enhance the ability of primary care nurses at a mental health outpatient clinic to manage depression in patients who are non-compliant with treatment. Currently, nurses lack structured training in recognizing and addressing depression, which contributes to inconsistent care, increased relapse and readmission rates, lower patient satisfaction, and greater healthcare utilization. This project aimed to provide evidence-based education to close a critical gap in practice that affects care quality, continuity, nurse confidence, and patient outcomes. The guiding practice-focused question was: In primary care nurses at a mental health outpatient clinic, …

Strategies To Provide Organizational Support To Neurodivergent Employees On Work Teams, Keila Yaremis Molina González

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Ineffective strategies for supporting neurodivergent employees can lead to decreased productivity, talent loss, and stifled innovation, ultimately harming a company's operational efficiency. Industry training managers who struggle to improve productivity, retention, and innovation may find their businesses facing instability as a result. . Grounded in attribution theory, the purpose of this qualitative pragmatic inquiry research project was to identify and explore effective strategies used by industry training managers to support neurodivergent employees to increase productivity, talent retention, and innovation. The participants were nine industry training managers who had implemented supportive strategies. Data were collected through semistructured interviews, public websites, and …

Effects Of Experiences Of Widowhood Practice On Young Widows’ Well-Being In Southeastern Nigeria, Ijeoma Josephine Edinoh

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

In Nigeria long-standing sociocultural norms dictate widowhood practice, which widows are expected to undergo when they lose their husbands. The impact of this ancient culture, which has continuously been encouraged from generation to generation to date, has been devastating for widows. The purpose of this generic qualitative study was to investigate the effects of widowhood practices on the well-being of young widows in southeastern Nigeria. Feminist theory was the conceptual framework. Through semistructured, audio-recorded interviews conducted via Zoom, data were collected from 10 young widows between age 18 to 45 in the southeastern Nigeria. After the data were collected, Braun …

Embodiment, Relationships, And Sexuality: An Ethical Analysis Of Extended Reality Technologies, Erick Jose Ramirez, Laura Clark, Sydney Campbell, Julian Dreiman, Dorian Clay, Raghav Gupta, Shelby Jennett

Philosophy

Communication technologies change the way we relate to each other and ourselves. In this essay we analyze the effects that extended reality (XR) technologies are likely to have on conceptions of the self, romantic relationships, and other associated concepts like sexual orientation. While these technologies are in their infancy, key psychological and philosophical concepts are already being explored. We begin by defining extended reality and the family of technologies that make it possible. We pay special attention to the way these immersive technologies ground the experiences of presence which can become virtually real. These experiences provide a useful framework for …

Male Veteran Sexual Trauma Survivors' Experiences Of Military Culture And Institutional Betrayal, Karen James Lewis

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The phenomenon of Military sexual trauma (MST) among male survivors is significantly underreported and lacking in scholarly research. The purpose of this qualitative generic study was to explore male veteran MST survivors’ perspectives on military culture and institutional betrayal. Cultural spillover theory provided the framework, emphasizing that a culture that legitimizes violence to achieve its goals has the potential to foster illegitimate violence within that culture. The primary research question in this study was: What are the perceptions and experiences of male veteran MST survivors on military institutional culture and MST? Six semi-structured interviews were conducted via Zoom with male …

Improving Emergency Care Through Standardized Post Event Debriefing, Kiersten Ash, Madison Boyce, Katie Dolan, Jessica Mccann, Jessica Morones, Katherine Yaworsky

Nursing Research and EBP Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Just Culture In The Operating Room, Jaidin Degraw, Brooke Gisel

Nursing Research and EBP Day 2025

No abstract provided.

“For Haitian Culture, Being Older [Is] A Blessing”: Perceptions Of Aging, Elderhood, And Dementia In A Haitian Born Sample, Melissa K. Eustache

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This thesis investigates how first-generation Haitian immigrants in the United States understand and interpret dementia within the intersecting contexts of culture, migration, and biomedicine. While dementia is constructed as a pathological “loss of self” and a public health epidemic, in American biomedical and popular discourse, this study examines how Haitian-born individuals—socialized within a non-Western cultural and spiritual framework—make sense of cognitive decline and impairment in ways that diverge from Western biomedical narratives. Guided by theoretical orientations from medical anthropology, including Mark Nichter’s idioms of distress, Margaret Lock’s local biologies, and neuroanthropology, this research explores how cultural models of illness, aging, …

Vibrato In The Singing Voice: A Survey Of Vibrato Practices In The Studio For Teachers And Coaches, Anna Alyce Tarver

Electronic Theses and Dissertations Archive

Historically variable in its terminology, “vibrato” was not used until the nineteenth century. Coaches and teachers recognize it as a signature of healthy, expressive singing, except in some stylistically appropriate contexts. However, it continues to raise questions. Little data has been reported on vibrato outside of general characteristics. Only a few sources exist examining the knowledge and skillset of teachers of singing. This survey aimed to gain information on what instructors and coaches are told about vibrato in comparison to what they experience in the voice studio. An anonymous mixed-method survey was distributed to 201 professional voice teachers and coaches; …

Assessing The Effect Of Neighborhood Deprivation On Health Behaviors Among Adult Survivors Of Childhood Cancer: Comparing 3 Methods Of Classifying Health Behaviors, James W. Kinchen

Dr. Joseph M. Moerschbaecher, III Graduate Research Day

No abstract provided.

Effects Of Tai Chi On Psychological, Physiological, And Functional Outcomes In Lung Cancer: A Systematic Review Of Randomized Controlled Trials, Sophia Boudreaux

Dr. Joseph M. Moerschbaecher, III Graduate Research Day

No abstract provided.

2025 Graduate Research Day Agenda (Pdf), Graduate Studies

Dr. Joseph M. Moerschbaecher, III Graduate Research Day

The 4th Annual Dr. Joseph Moerschbaecher, III Graduate Research Day Agenda (PDF)

Pow, Bam, Snikt: Using Superheroes To Teach Mental Health, Christopher Dabbs

Journal of Thematic Instruction

Undergraduate psychopathology (abnormal psychology) courses traditionally emphasize case vignettes of individuals with psychiatric disorders to illustrate etiology, nosology, and treatment. While pedagogically useful, these depictions can inadvertently provoke distress in students, potentially impeding engagement and learning. To address this dilemma while continuing to center the same learning outcomes, I formulated a course structure which embedded some course topics in superhero-related material with the express intent to create psychological distance between potentially distressing topics and the learners themselves. This commentary provides background for the course, evidenced-based rationale for specific pedagogical choices alongside topical material recommendations, and ends with personal reflections.

From The Stage To The Classroom: Reflections On A Psychology Of Musical Theater Class, Jill M. Swirsky

Journal of Thematic Instruction

Thematic instruction, which uses a central popular culture theme to bridge theoretical concepts and lived experience, is a powerful tool for engaging students in complex subject matter. This paper explores the design, structure, and outcomes of a Psychology of Musical Theater course that uses popular musicals as a lens for examining key psychological theories and themes. Utilizing a hybrid course design, students explored psychological themes in musicals (e.g., racism in Hairspray) through reflective writing, small and large group discussion, and a final project. Anecdotal evidence suggests that this approach enhanced engagement and promoted deeper learning, as students reported personal growth, …

42nd Annual Reception Bibliography, 2024-2025, Leonard H. Axe Library

Bibliographies

Since 1984, Leonard H. Axe Library at Pittsburg State University has honored book authors and other creators for their outstanding scholarship and contributions to their fields. This bibliography documents creative works published by university faculty and staff within the last year.

Brain Mri For The Diagnosis Of Dementia In Low- And Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis Protocol Of Diagnostic Utility And Imaging Findings, Stephen E. Jones, Martha Sajatovic

Faculty Scholarship

Introduction The utility of brain MRI in dementia diagnosis offers critical insights into structural brain changes, such as hippocampal and thalamic atrophy, which are hallmark features of Alzheimer's disease and Alzheimer's disease-related dementias. However, its use, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), is affected by limited accessibility. This protocol outlines a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the diagnostic utility, feasibility and challenges of integrating brain MRI for dementia diagnosis in LMICs. Methods and analysis The review follows Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols with a priori eligibility criteria and is registered in PROSPERO. Searches (from …

Experiments In Church-Based Research, David Dunaetz

Witness

No abstract provided.

2025 Joint Journal Between Witness And The Great Commission Research Journal, Thomas Seckler, David Dunaetz

Witness

No abstract provided.

Associations Between Medicare Advantage Supplemental Dental Benefits And Voluntary Disenrollment, Carly J. Bressler-Archambeau

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Dental health is a critical component of overall well-being but is not a mandatory benefit in the Traditional Medicare or Medicare Advantage programs. Few researchers explore whether the generosity of supplemental benefits in Medicare Advantage, such as dental coverage, are associated with better beneficiary experience and retention in the program. The purpose of this quantitative study was to explore the potential associations between supplemental dental benefits generosity and voluntary disenrollment in Medicare Advantage plans. Penchansky and Thomas’ theory of access (1981) and Rivera-Hernandez et al.’s (2021) Medicare Advantage plan choice and retention framework were used to understand the associations between …

Comparison Of Two Clinical Education Models On Confidence, Resilience, Organizational Commitment, And Stress And Burnout Of New Graduate Registered Nurses, Lenore Reilly

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The transition to independent clinical practice is a stressful experience that may lead many new graduate RNs (NGRNs) to leave their first role within a year. Effective clinical education can help prepare NGRNs for the dynamic environment of the acute care setting. The purposes of this study, guided by Meleis’s transitions theory, were to determine if there was (a) a difference in confidence in NGRNs who experienced a dedicated education unit (DEU) and NGRNs who experienced a traditional clinical education model (TCEM), (b) a difference in resilience in NGRNs who experienced a DEU and NGRNs who experienced a TCEM, (c) …

The Impact Of Access To Mental Health Services For Minority Offenders From The Perspective Of Mental Health Professionals, Quentin Eugne Mills

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Many reintegrating offenders residing in northwest Florida’s rural areas are negatively impacted by a lack of access to mental health professionals. Inaccessibility to treatment service providers impacts the offender’s physical, mental and economic well-being. While research studies focus on examining access barriers in metropolitan jurisdictions, a gap remains in understanding how this issue adversely impacts offenders in rural communities. This qualitative research study examined the impact of inaccessibility to treatment services related to minority offenders in rural jurisdictions. Grounded by the intersectional theory and the general strain theory, this study utilized interviews with six mental health professionals who counseled offenders …

Desegregated Goals: Integrating Literacy And Behavioral Health In A Community Mental Health Setting To Improve Outcomes For Middle School Students, Donna M. Reed

Masters Theses

Despite an understanding that many at-risk students lack the reading and writing skills to navigate high school and post-secondary education successfully, current interventions are often inadequate. Schools are forced to focus on academic requirements, while other needs of the student are overlooked, and it is those overlooked needs that contribute to the educational failures of the student. This thesis presents an argument for holistic support of the at-risk student when remediating academics, specifically reading and writing skills, focusing on the middle school students of a rural middle school in central Kansas. It develops a curriculum that integrates physical and mental …

Spectator 2025-11-13, Editors Of The Spectator

The Spectator

No abstract provided.

Life In The Kingdom: Reimagining Theological Education For A Post-Secular Global Age, Jose Philip

Witness

No abstract provided.

Introduction To Joint Issue, Thomas Seckler

Witness

No abstract provided.

Book Review: Generations: The Real Difference Between Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, Boomers, And Silents – And What They Mean For America’S Future By Jean M. Twenge, H. R. Ward Jr.

Witness

No abstract provided.

Life After Prison: Exploring Gendered Differences In The Impact Of Social Support On The Ease Of Reintegration For Previously Incarcerated Men And Women, Joy Ferdinand

Theses and Dissertations

Successful reintegration into society remains a significant challenge for formerly incarcerated individuals, particularly in securing stable housing and employment. This study examines the gendered impact of social support on reintegration outcomes, specifically assessing how peer instrumental support, familial instrumental support, and familial emotional support influence housing stability and employment within three months of release. Using data from the Serious and Violent Offender Reentry Initiative (SVORI), this study employs logistic regression models to explore whether gender moderates the relationship between social support and reentry success. Findings indicate that peer instrumental support significantly affects housing stability, but its impact varies by gender. …