Digital Commons Network^™

Predictors Of Self-Efficacy In Single Mothers Of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Melissa L. Constable

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Single mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) face significant difficulties. Challenges faced by these women have notable impacts on their psychological well-being and subsequently their families. Self-efficacy is a key construct to understanding psychological well-being and potentially a key area of intervention for these mothers. This study examined the factors of health care alliance, perceived social supports, and religious coping on maternal self-efficacy in 87 single mothers of children with autism. Findings from a regression analysis suggested that these variables have predictive power regarding maternal self-efficacy, F (4, 82) = 3.721, p =.008. Though when analyzed individually,© no …

Defining Moral Injury: A Delphi Study For A Comprehensive And Consensus-Based Definition, Darius J. Holland

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study utilized a modified Delphi method to develop a consensus definition of Moral Injury across theological, clinical, and experiential domains. Recognizing the term's interdisciplinary ambiguity, the research engaged chaplains, clinicians, ethicists, and professionals from healthcare, military, and psychological contexts to discern shared language and conceptual frameworks. The Delphi process consisted of three iterative rounds, progressing from open-ended questions to structured Likert-scale responses and definition validation. While consensus (80% agreement) was not achieved, a majority (61.5%) of panelists affirmed a pneuma-oriented definition that positions Moral Injury as a wound to the spirit resulting from a violation of deeply held ethical …

Social Media And Mental Health According To Generation Z: A Health Belief Model-Based Cross-Sectional Evaluation Of Generation Z Adults’ Attitudes And Perceptions Of Problematic Social Media Use And Its Relationship With Depression And Anxiety, Michael Chad Gann

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Purpose: This study aimed to examine Generation Z adults’ attitudes and perceptions of problematic social media use (PSMU) as they relate to mental health problems (depression and anxiety) through the lens of the Mental Health Belief Model.

Methods: A cross-sectional, web-based survey gathered data from a convenience sample (N = 353) of Generation Z adults (age 18-30) after receiving approval from the LU IRB. The previously validated instrument battery included the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS), the Patient Health Questionaire – 9 (PHQ-9), the Generalized Anxiety Disorder – 7 (GAD-7), and the Greene (2012) MHBM subscales for perceived susceptibility …

A Chaplain-Specific Care Plan For Addressing Moral Injury And Promoting Holistic Well-Being In Nurses That Have Transitioned From Hospital Care To Hospice Care, Franklin Hicks

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This thesis project, “A Chaplain-Specific Care Plan for Addressing Moral Injury and Promoting Holistic Well-Being in Nurses That Have Transitioned from Hospital Care to Hospice Care,” addresses the lack of chaplain-led interventions for nurses suffering from moral injury. Many nurses who transitioned from hospital to hospice care reported ongoing moral residue from ethically distressing events in acute settings. The purpose of this project was to evaluate the effectiveness of a spiritually grounded care plan, developed and facilitated by a board-certified chaplain, to address these moral wounds and promote holistic well-being among hospice nurses.

Twelve hospice nurses in West Tennessee participated …

Forgiveness, Spousal Infidelity, And Sex Addiction: Christian Wives’ Lived Experiences, Angela Roake Livingston

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore how betrayed Christian wives described their understanding of and motivation to forgive their husbands’ infidelity due to sex addiction in the United States. The theory which guided this study was Albert Bandura’s Self- Efficacy, as it examines one’s ability to use personal judgment in executing courses of action to contend with challenges. For this reason, the Self-Efficacy theory was best suited for understanding Christian wives’ lived experiences of forgiveness after experiencing sexual betrayal in marriage. Data was collected via virtual, open-ended, semi-structured interviews via Zoom following a thirty-two-question script addressing the …

Experiences Of First-Generation Nursing Students After Their First Year At An Hbcu: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study, Ari L. Cuffee

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences of first-generation nursing students (FGNS) after their first year at a Historically Black College or University (HBCU). The central research question asked, “What are the lived experiences of first-generation nursing students who have completed one year at a Historically Black University?” The theoretical framework that guided this study was Banks’ theory of multicultural education. This theory demonstrated how educators taught FGNS using the multicultural education paradigm with strategies and procedures to make provisions for culturally, racially, and ethnically diverse students. Data were analyzed using Moustakas’ interpretive phenomenological …

Exploring Teachers' Perspectives Of Developing Creativity In Students With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Hermeneutic Phenomenology, Mary C. Strickland

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to interpret the lived experience of teachers developing the creativity of students with ADHD in the southern United States. At this stage in the research, high school students with ADHD were generally defined as students who have been formally diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The theory guiding this study was Karwowski’s theory of creative growth mindset. The central research question for this study was: What are the lived experiences of teachers developing the creativity of high school students with ADHD? This study was a hermeneutic phenomenology that explored the experiences of …

Adults With Learning Disabilities Navigating The Transition From School To Work, Shatrece L. Jenkins

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore the experiences of adults with learning disabilities when transitioning from academics to the workplace, with an emphasis on emotional intelligence. The two research questions asked how adults with learning disabilities described their lived experiences and experiences of emotions and emotional regulation in their transition from academic environments to the professional workplace. The theory guiding this study was the emotional intelligence theory developed by Salovey and Mayer, which was used as a determinant in building relationships and upholding social interactions. The sample consisted of 13 adults with learning disabilities working at …

Rumination As A Moderator In The Relationship Between Divine Forgiveness And Forgiveness Of Self In Older Adults, Christopher R. Giles

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

A growing body of research supports empirical evidence that the ability to self-forgive benefits mental, emotional, and physical health. Recent literature has documented the predictive relationship between divine forgiveness and self-forgiveness. However, little attention has been given to the cognitive processes that may influence this relationship. Furthermore, research on forgiveness has largely overlooked the older adult population, despite forgiveness being shown to be a developmental construct. This quantitative correlational study examined the relationship between offense-specific divine forgiveness, rumination, and self-forgiveness in individuals aged 60 and older. Data were collected from 101 participants through an anonymous online survey utilizing previously validated …

Secondary Teacher Burnout: A Phenomenology Study Of The Lived Experiences Of Increased Teacher Workload, Cristina Marie Meador

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative, hermeneutic phenomenological study was to understand the impact of increased teacher workload on teacher burnout through the lived experiences of rural high school teachers in a school district in southern West Virginia. The theory guiding this study was Albert Bandura’s social cognitive theory, as it helps understand motivation and behavior in people. The central research question is: How do secondary rural teachers describe their lived experiences with increased workload and its impact on burnout? The methodology used in this study was hermeneutic phenomenology. The study design for this study was qualitative. The sample was 10 …

Mandatory Minimum State Compensation Statutes For Exonerees Of Wrongful Incarceration, Ellen Rochelle Mabry

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Receiving fair and equitable compensation for victims of wrongful incarceration post-release continues to be problematic, inconsistent, and inadequate. This qualitative study addresses the gap in knowledge by exploring the unsatisfactory and varying compensation statutes across states that adversely affect and compound the experiences of exonerees through systemic injustices. The conceptual frameworks for this study are Weible & Sabatier’s guide to the advocacy coalition framework and Jenkins-Smith, et.al, using cultural theory to specify belief systems, coalitions, and sources of change. Research questions focus on how exonerees describe their experiences with unfair and unequal state compensation laws for victims of wrongful imprisonment, …

A Phenomenological Qualitative Study: The Lived Experiences Of Women Diagnosed With Substance Use Disorders And The Stigma Associated With Their Disorder, Emily E. Fitzgerald

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to describe the lived experiences of women with the stigma of being diagnosed with substance use disorders within the Northeastern United States. Women diagnosed with substance use disorders who experience significant barriers to recovery were defined as a vulnerable population that experiences significant adversities and hardships navigating stigma and the wellness process. Substance use disorders have been a rising public health issue that affect millions of Americans across the United States, and societal and self-perceived stigma have continued to mitigate recovery efforts and individuals’ access to treatment and healthcare. This study focused …

The Impact Of Resistance Training On Obese Perimenopause African American Women In San Antonio, Letesha Nicole Butler

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This quantitative randomized controlled trial investigated the impact of resistance training on body fat in obese African American perimenopausal women in San Antonio, Texas. The study aimed to support the World Health Organization's efforts to combat obesity and address the underrepresentation of African American women in research, a population with over half being overweight or obese. Eleven eligible participants completed an intake survey and had their body fat percentage measured using an InBody 270 before and after the intervention. Participants were divided into two groups: one utilizing weights (e.g., dumbbells, barbells, machines, resistance bands) and the other using body weight …

Motivation To Hunt: A Qualitative Semiotic Analysis Of Moral Conflict Theory And Social Judgment Theory Of Influential Women Hunters On Instagram, Brittany Alexandra Hosmer Longoria

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative research investigates the motivations of women hunters on Instagram through semiotic analysis grounded in moral conflict theory and social judgment theory. Hunting is primarily male-dominated, but the emergence of women hunters on social media challenges stereotypes and shines new light on the dynamics between gender roles, ethics, and public perceptions of the values of nature. The study examines visual symbolism, focusing on how women hunters navigate moral conflicts and social judgment in an increasingly polarizing digital landscape. Through semiotic analysis and personal interviews, the research identifies themes including motivations to hunt, which often respond to or preempt criticism …

How Personality Type Can Inform Strategic Discipleship, Jonathan Andrew Cline Ii

Masters Theses

Despite many Americans growing up in the church, there is a wide disparity gap in how many of those Christians are heading down a path of greater intimacy with God. Rather than this gap being a result of lackluster desire for something more, research shows that the disconnect stems from a lack of understanding in how to connect with God beyond the theories and philosophies individuals have acquired in church. Churches and discipleship programs, therefore, should consider developing strategies for spiritual development informed by the range of personality types based on Jung’s psychological types. Each person has a God-given way …

Learning Needs Of African American High School Students With Dyslexia Within An Inclusive, Co-Teaching Environment: A Holistic Single Case Study, Aigbovboise Ayo Ehabahe

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this holistic, single case study was to describe the experiences of special and general education teachers collaborating to support the learning needs of African American high school students with dyslexia within an inclusive, co-teaching environment. The theory guiding this study was Cole’s intersectionality theory on co-teaching, as it explains how the interactions and strategies between co-teachers influence the academic success of students with dyslexia. The central research question was: How do special and general education teachers describe their experiences collaborating with one another to support the learning needs of African American high school students with dyslexia within …

After His Likeness: The Holy Trinity And Creation Of Humanity, Chris Trevino

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation presents a comprehensive theological and interdisciplinary examination of the Holy Trinity (i.e., Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) and its influence on human creativity, ethical development, and identity, as rooted in the Genesis creation narrative. Employing exegetical analysis of Genesis 1:26-27 alongside systematic theological synthesis, lexical‐theological study of צֶלֶם (ṣélem, image) and דְּמוּת (dəmûth, likeness), and historical‐doctrinal reflection on Chalcedonian definitions of the hypostatic union and kenosis, it develops a triadic framework that aligns the divine mind, heart, and will with human cognition, emotion, and volition. The study reveals that the threefold act of divine creativity (i.e., the Father’s …

Shame And The Cult Survivor As Viewed Through Erikson’S Theory, Devin Marie Seltz

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study investigated the manifestations of shame in cult survivors using Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development as its framework. According to Erikson (1959), individuals evolve through eight stages of development, each stage being met with a unique social and psychological crisis. If that psychosocial crisis is met and overcome, the individual advances to the next stage of development with additional psychosocial resilience. Erikson’s theory focuses on the importance of achieving these developmental tasks throughout the eight stages in order to build personal identity and resilience. Cults are known for exerting excessive control over individuals by employing techniques and strategies that …

Missionary Kids And Ptsd And Spirituality, Sabreena S. Massey

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

In recent years, studies have documented the importance of spirituality in assuaging psychological distress. Numerous studies have investigated the connection between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and spirituality and its positive outcomes among diverse populations. A diverse population that is insufficiently addressed in the literature is missionary kids (MKs). Further, studies investigating the relationship between spiritual struggles and PTSD among MKs remain under-researched. Moreover, while studies document the existence of mental health disorders among MKs, a formal investigation examining PTSD symptomology among MKs had yet to be conducted. For this study, participants were recruited via purposive and snowball sampling, and 81 …

Associations Between Factors Of Unhealthy Lifestyle, Mental Health Issues, Chronic Illnesses, Environmental Health Risks, And Infertility In Females: A Cross-Sectional Study, Richard L. Huang

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Infertility has risen rapidly in recent decades and has become the third-largest public health concern in the world. It has significantly threatened individuals’ psychological, physical, and social well-being, and it could be an early sign of severe health problems in the future. Furthermore, it also threatens the continuation of life and human civilization. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between individuals’ daily lifestyle behaviors, mental health status, chronic conditions, environmental health factors, and infertility by using cross-sectional quantitative methods. It benefits the public as the study raised awareness of potential risks and provided guidance to avoid …

The Effect Of Body-Worn Cameras On Police Credibility In The Courtroom, Robert A. Lindblom

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The use of Body-Worn Cameras (BWCs) by criminal justice practitioners in America has increased dramatically during the past decade. However, many assumptions were made during this process about the effectiveness of BWCs without adequate research or evidence to back up the claims. Deploying new technology under such circumstances often produces unexpected outcomes. One of these unanticipated results may be the increased dependence of judges and juries upon video evidence. Increasingly, adjudicators may hesitate to accept an officer’s testimony at face value. Prosecutors may even be reluctant to pursue cases at all when video is unavailable to bolster the officer’s statement. …

Virtual Music Education: An Examination Of Experiences Of A Post-Covid Virtual Elementary Music Program, Julia Federico-Youngs

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study focused on a three-year phenomenon that occurred at five Title I California elementary schools that took part in a post-COVID-19 virtual music program where the teacher was remote and third- through fifth-grade students were together in their classrooms. This event occurred as an attempt to provide music education to students who had no access to music education. The participants were the general classroom teachers who were physically in the classroom with the students. The participants’ experiences provided the results of this transcendental phenomenological study via interviews. These interviews offered valuable insight into the perspectives and experiences of the …

Fire Officer Leadership: Understanding The Lived Experience Of New Firefighters, Tyler Ames

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative phenomenological study looked into how newer firefighters experienced working under fire officer leaders who utilized laissez-faire leadership tendencies. The goal of the study was to better understand what this kind of leadership looks like in the fire service and how it affects newer members in their day-to-day lives as well as emergency scenarios. Twelve firefighters from different departments across Utah were interviewed, and all participants had less than three years of experience. The interviews focused on the participants’ experiences, challenges, and feelings when working under this particular leadership style. Each transcript was reviewed and coded using an inductive …

Exploring The Emotional Impact Of Silent Grief Among Black Christian Women, Tracie Joyel Lott

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Grief is an inevitable part of life. When grief-related emotions or behaviors do not align with societal attitudes, grief may become disenfranchised, causing the griever to become silent. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to describe Black Christian women’s experiences with silent grief in a Midwestern U.S. state. In this research, silent grief was synonymous with disenfranchised grief. Kimberle Crenshaw’s intersectionality theory guided this study, providing insight into the intersection of religion, culture, and mental health challenges in the grieving process of Black Christian women. Data collected via in-depth participant interviews underwent analysis using Gadamer’s hermeneutics. Despite literature …

A Phenomenological Study Examining Self-Efficacy Experiences Of Urban Elementary Teachers Teaching Remotely During A Pandemic, Brandi L. Gray

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to understand the experiences of teachers who taught remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic and to examine their perceived self-efficacy in an urban school district in Western Tennessee. Bandura’s teacher self-efficacy theory guided the study as it explains how teachers’ self-efficacy plays a crucial role in academic outcomes such as student achievement, motivation, and teacher well-being in the work environment. The research question that guided the study was: How have remote teaching experiences of urban elementary teachers affected teacher self-efficacy during the COVID-19 pandemic? Participants included 10 teachers from a public school district …

Improving Equity For African American Female Educators: An Applied Study, Lakeisha D. Vaughan-Jones

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this applied study was to solve the problem of equitability in the workplace for African American female educators in Athens-Clarke County School District schools and to design a solution to address the problem. The central research question is, “How can the problem of inequity for African American female educators, as identified by the Induction Teacher Survey and CCRPI data, be solved in the Athens-Clarke County School District?” A multimethod design was used consisting of qualitative and quantitative approaches. Data was collected from participants via semi-structured interviews, focus groups, and survey. To gain discernment on equity, data was …

Addressing The Difficulty Of Digital Transformation, Robert L. Mccaskill

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

In the evolving landscape of modern religious engagement, digital platforms offer churches various opportunities to enhance their worship experiences. Still, many churches find it difficult to integrate digital tools into their ministry in the digital age. They are experiencing challenges incorporating online worship services and digital outreach activities while maintaining their core values. This dissertation-in-praxis examines the development of an online ministry at a local church struggling to adapt successfully to digital transformation. The ministry developed sought to supplement the physical gathering already occurring at the church. The online ministry aimed to ensure greater accessibility, spiritual nourishment, and community engagement. …

The Relationship Between Morality, Perceptions Of Self And Others, And Purpose In Life: A Moderation Analysis, Ashley Burgess Leininger

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Morality is an understudied construct in psychological research, despite its fundamental role in shaping human behavior and self-perception. This quantitative study examined whether purpose in life moderated the relationship between morality and perceptions of the self and others. Two hypotheses were tested, H1: There will be a relationship between morality and perception of self and others; H2: Purpose in life will moderate the relationship between morality and perception of self and others. Ninety-one individuals recruited through Amazon Mechanical Turk completed the Purpose in Life scale (PIL), Moral Foundation Questionnaire (MFQ30), Rosenberg’s Self Esteem Scale (RSES), and the Collective Self-Esteem Scale …

A Phenomenological Study Of The Lived Experiences Of Principals On The Impact Social And Emotional Learning Has On Student Academic Performance, Angela Mastantuono

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences of principals in examining the social and emotional learning skills of middle school grades sixth-eighth and if there is an impact on student academic achievement. The theories that guided this study were Bandura’s social cognitive theory and Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory, as they are grounded in explaining the need for social and emotional learning integration into the classroom and how to successfully achieve this. Both theories discuss the positive impact that socialization has on the development of any human being. The central research question was, “What are the lived …

Exploring Academic Motivation In Students With Intellectual Disabilities Through The Experiences Of Teachers: A Phenomenological Study, Brett Franz O'Brien

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to discover the lived experiences of teachers when addressing the academic motivation of elementary-aged children with intellectual disabilities in suburban Eastern North Carolina. The theory guiding this study was Ryan and Deci’s self-determination theory, which explains that people can be intrinsically motivated, extrinsically motivated, or have amotivation. The central research question of this hermeneutic phenomenology was “What are the lived experiences of teachers when addressing the academic motivation of elementary-aged children with ID in suburban Eastern North Carolina?” The study focused on the lived experiences of 10 teachers in Eastern North Carolina who …