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A Call To Duty: The Role Of Spirituality In The Military To Civilian Transition Outcomes Of United States Military Combat Veterans, Tony M. Hankerson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Transitioning from military to civilian life, especially after experiencing combat, can be challenging. Researchers have found spirituality to be a buffer for military service members who have been exposed to combat; however, little is known about the relationship between spirituality and the military-to-civilian transition outcomes among combat veterans. This quantitative, non-experimental study examined the relationship between spirituality and the outcomes of the military-to-civilian transition for United States military combat veterans. The instruments used in the study were the Spiritual Well-Being Scale, the Combat Exposure Scale, and the Military-to-Civilian Questionnaire. The findings indicated that spirituality was negatively correlated with military-to-civilian difficulties …

Phenomenology Of Dissociation During (R/S)-Ketamine/(S)-Ketamine Therapy For Depression, Daniel William Cable

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study was to explore the dissociative experiences of patients who are receiving ketamine-assisted therapy for depression. This research was guided by the principles of phenomenological inquiry and focused on the subjective experiences of individuals and sought to explore the nuances of dissociative experiences and offer insight into its potential therapeutic implications.

The research used a qualitative methodology involving participants who have experienced ketamine-assisted therapy for depression. The setting was a controlled clinical environment where the therapy sessions were conducted. To collect data, open-ended, semi-structured interviews as well as follow-up interviews were conducted with the participants in …

The Frequency Of Academic Advising: A Quantitative, Predictive Study On Postsecondary Second-Year Student Satisfaction, Angelia M. Brown

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative, predictive correlational study was to examine the relationship between student satisfaction with academic advising, the frequency of academic advising activities, and the type of postsecondary institution (community college or public university). This study is important in providing valuable context for re-evaluating how academic advising efficacy is assessed and structured in postsecondary institutions. Through convenience sampling of second-year community college and public university students, data was collected via a self-paced online survey of 110 participants. In addition to demographic information, the survey incorporated the Academic Advising Inventory to measure student satisfaction with academic advising. Multiple linear …

The Impact Of Trauma On The Presentation Of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Nina Rose Eberly

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a prevalent mental health condition that has previously been linked to traumatic life experiences. Understanding the connection between trauma and OCD symptomatology is essential for developing clinical interventions. This study examined whether a history of abuse is related to an OCD diagnosis, whether a post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnosis is correlated with heightened OCD symptoms, and whether experiencing multiple types of traumas increased OCD symptom severity. Statistical analyses, including correlation and regression analyses, were conducted along with thematic analysis of qualitative interview data. Participants with a comorbid diagnosis of OCD and PTSD exhibited elevated OCD symptoms. …

Understanding Educators’ Experiences With Chronic Student Absenteeism In Rural High Schools In Southwest Virginia: A Phenomenological Study, Tina Louise Dean

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to understand educators’ experiences and the influences chronic absenteeism has on low-income rural high school students in Southwest Virginia. The theory guiding this study was Bandura’s social cognition theory on learning, which develops through interaction and modeling. The central research question was, “How do teachers describe their experiences with chronic student absenteeism in rural high schools in Southwest Virginia?” A hermeneutic phenomenological design was used, and the researcher focused on 10 educators from rural high schools in southwest Virginia who had experienced student chronic absenteeism and/or truancy. Data for this study was collected …

Childhood Emotional Maltreatment: A Phenomenological Approach Of Its Influence On Adult Attachment And Romantic Relationships, Patricia A. Smetana

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This phenomenological qualitative study examined the lasting effects, if any, of childhood emotional maltreatment (CEM) on adult females' romantic relationships. The research explored participants’ perceptions of relationship fundamentals that influence adult attachment formation and the quality of romantic relationships, emphasizing the crucial role of adult attachment in relational quality and overall well-being. Online, two-part semi-structured interviews were conducted with each participant, yielding a total of 22 interviews. These interviews investigated the participants’ perceptions of how CEM shaped their views of their own and others’ behaviors within adult romantic relationships. The study focused exclusively on adult female survivors of CEM, excluding …

Lived Experiences Of Black Clergy Counseling White Female Survivors Of Intimate Partner Violence In Predominantly White Churches Of Christ, Archie Ray Green

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This hermeneutical phenomenological study was conducted to explore the lived experiences of Black male pastors in predominantly White Churches of Christ who provide pastoral care to White female survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV). These Black male spiritual leaders often serve as the initial point of contact for individuals seeking help, yet they may face unique challenges shaped by cross-racial, gender, and theological dynamics. This study examined how spiritual beliefs, educational preparation, and ministerial experiences influenced the responses of the participants to IPV. The findings revealed that in the absence of formal IPV training and institutional protocols, pastors often relied …

Stressors Causing Career And Technical Education Teachers To Experience Burnout: Hermeneutic Phenomenology, Christina C. Perez

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the stressors and coping strategies for Career and Technical Education (CTE) teachers in career and technical education in Texas’ public education system. The theory guiding this study was the transactional model of stress and coping proposed by Richard Lazarus and Susan Folkman. The use of this theory will impact the lives of CTE teachers facing challenges in their current roles and taking on extra duties compared to non-CTE teachers. The central research question focused on how CTE teachers experience major sources of stress and burnout. In addition, the sub-questions will support …

A Phenomenological Study Exploring The Role Of Resilience In Trauma Recovery Of Those Living In Southeastern Rural America, Summer D. Loduca

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative phenomenological study explored the ways in which adults who live in rural communities in the Southeastern United States convalesce from trauma within the framework of barriers and limited access to mental health services. Garmezy’s (1991) developmental psychology approach to resilience, which highlights internal and external protective factors, guides this study as personal resilience, and how it contributes to trauma recovery in underserved settings, is explored. Ten participants aged 32 to 49, engaged in semi-structured interviews as they shared their lived experiences of coping with, and healing from, trauma. Five principal themes were reach in analyzing the data through …

Tax Cuts And Jobs Act: A Study On Behavioral Economic Theory, Tax Incentives, And Christian Influence, Tyler James De Haan

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The Tax Cut and Jobs Act was tax legislation in the United States that affected the charitable giving tax deduction. The problem is that neoclassical economics assumes that a decrease in charitable tax deductions will decrease charitable behavior. The purpose of the study is to understand how Christian influence impacts charitable behavior after a decrease in the charitable tax deduction. The study’s methodology will be mixed methods. The study’s design will be an explanatory sequential cross-unit case study. The study sample consists of Christian and public university alumni associations. The data will be collected in two ways. First, data will …

Teachers’ Perceptions On Implementing Iready To Support Elementary Mathematics Instruction In Georgia, Cassandra Denise Walker

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The problem addressed through this study was that a significant number of 3rd to 5th grade students score below grade level on the mathematics portion of the Georgia Milestones assessment within a Georgia School District, despite the training and implementation of iReady. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore 3rd to 5th grade teachers’ perceptions of their successes, challenges, and suggestions for implementing iReady in their mathematics instruction. The study was grounded in Chomsky’s concept of competency-based education, which asserts that as long as students can progress at their own pace, the majority of students will achieve competency …

Parent's Help-Seeking For, And Care Of, A Sick Or Injured Child During Covid-19 Pandemic Lockdowns: A National Online Survey In Türkiye, Bahar Aksoy, Sarah Neill

School of Nursing and Midwifery

Aim: This study aimed to investigate how COVID-19 lockdowns in Türkiye influenced parents' actions when their child was ill or injured and how they perceived the impact of the lockdown on the severity of their child's illness and the treatment received. Methods: This descriptive, and cross-sectional mixed method was conducted with 104 parents whose children experienced illness or injury during the pandemic lockdowns between July and September 2022. Data was collected through online survey using snowball sampling method. Descriptive statistics and pearson's chi-square test were used for statistical analysis, while free-text data was subjected to thematic analysis. Results: Of the …

The Impact Of Culturally Grounded Breastfeeding Programs On Black Maternal And Infant Outcomes: A Scoping Review, Kelsey B. Green

Master's Projects and Capstones

Abstract

Background: The lack of culturally grounded breastfeeding programs and understanding of their impact on Black breastfeeding initiation, duration, and health outcomes hinders improving Black breastfeeding rates in the U.S.

Research aim: This scoping review examines the impact of culturally grounded breastfeeding programs on Black mothers' and infants' health, and factors contributing to their success.

Methods: A scoping review of the literature was conducted using the CINAHL and SCOPUS databases. In the end, 34 scholarly articles were chosen for this review because they examined the impact of culturally grounded breastfeeding programs on Black breastfeeding rates and health outcomes.

Results: Culturally …

Faculty Experiences With Evaluation Practices Within A Community College, Janie Dobbins Hamrick

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study is to understand faculty experiences with evaluation practices for teachers within two-year higher education institutions in the Southeast region of the United States. The theory guiding this study is transformational leadership theory as it aids in understanding the problem that some faculty experience with evaluation practices established by ineffective leadership. By researching transformational leadership theory, researchers have determined that leadership style influences faculty experiences with teacher assessment procedures like evaluation and observation practices. The Central Research Question is, how are teaching evaluation experiences of community college faculty influenced by perceived supervisor leadership style? The …

A Quantitative Examination Of School Psychologists And The Relationships Between Work-Life Balance, Burnout, And Turnover Intentions, Brittany Leigh Storti

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Research for the past twenty-five years has documented that there is a national shortage of school psychologists across the United States. It is vital to study the magnitude of school psychologists working in the educational field and the impact of work-life balance has on burnout and turnover intentions. The study surveyed 75 school psychologists who work in a brick-and-mortar, hybrid, and virtual setting across the United States to compare the relationships and to determine if there is a difference between turnover intentions based on work setting. A moderation analysis and an ANOVA determined that the research failed to reject the …

A Diversity Dilemma: A Qualitative Research Study On The Past And Present Racial And Cultural Demographics Of Formal Music Education Students, Destiny Deberry Stone-King

Masters Theses

This thesis study examined the relationship between the preference for popular music, racial identity, and the decision to participate in school music courses and ensembles, aiming to understand how the interaction of these factors influences the demographics of music students. The researcher analyzed previous research on music preference, the history of music education in the United States, commentary on the music education system, and personal accounts of music educators and former music students. The researcher used a historical qualitative research design and meta-analysis to answer three research questions: 1) How does a musician’s racial identity, musical preference, and musical training …

An Exegesis Of Matthew 18:15-17 And The Hermeneutical Challenges Of Unrepentant Sexual Immorality, Jennifer Morris

Masters Theses

Sexual immorality (πορνεία) is mentioned twenty-five times in the New Testament. In one of the earliest cases of church discipline, Paul addresses a particular example of sexual immorality, namely incest, where a member of the Corinthian church is engaging in consensual sexual relations with his father’s wife (1 Cor. 5, New International Version).¹ Church discipline can be viewed with a negative connotation; however, disciples of Christ understand He rebukes and disciplines those He loves (Heb. 12:6; Rev. 3:19) through His Word (“rebuking” and “correcting” in 2 Tim 3:16).² Thus, the scriptural basis for church discipline practices are the …

Where Words Fail Music Speaks: A Qualitative Exploration Of Uses And Gratification Theory And How Music Influences College Students In Their Daily Productivity, Relationships And Self-Perception, Abagayil E. Hatt

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The dissertation project explores the music consumption of college students aged 18 - 24 and its influence on them. The study focus is how music impacts daily productivity-related decisions, relationships, and self-perception. Through ZOOM interviews and personal logs, this qualitative dissertation explored the influence music has on college students aged 18 – 24. This study contributes to the field of communication by revealing how music influences young adults’ communication, decisions, and identity. This study highlights the need for a more nuanced understanding of how music shapes behavior and identity.

The Exploration Of Self-Management Support Programs For African American Adults Ages 18 To 75 In Harnett County, North Carolina, Moya Camille Henny

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This phenomenological study explored the health needs and self-management experiences of African American adults ages 18 to 75 living with type 2 diabetes and hypertension in Harnett County, North Carolina. The study aimed to understand how self-management support programs could be better tailored to meet the cultural, social, and behavioral needs of this population, who face a disproportionate burden of these chronic conditions. Guided by Critical Care Theory, Chronic Care Model, and Social Cognitive Theory, the research examined how systemic inequalities, community resources, and personal beliefs shaped participants’ ability to manage their health. Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews …

Pass It On: Developing Children's Identity With Biblical Storytelling At First Baptist Church Of Sanford, Caleb Mccord

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

In a culture where many youths are not only leaving the church but also facing psychological issues like identity crises, it is important that children develop their identity as God’s Word prescribes rather than the preference-based identities pushed by secular parties. To best ensure this development, then it is essential that children receive biblical storytelling from both the church and also the parents at home, the latter of which is underutilized in many modern Christian homes. This thesis posits that if parents are made aware of the need for biblical identity development and trained to do so, then they will …

A Predictive Correlational Study Of Compassion Fatigue, Compassion Satisfaction And Emotional Exhaustion Among K-12 Educators, Shelbey K. Covington

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative, predictive correlational study was to determine if there is a relationship between compassion fatigue, compassion satisfaction, and emotional exhaustion in K-12 educators. There is limited research investigating the impacts of compassion factors on the emotional exhaustion and burnout of educators. This study is important because emotional exhaustion not only affects educators’ well-being and job performance but also has significant implications for student academic outcomes and overall school effectiveness. The research observed 111 full-time, certified K-12 educators, who were employed in a public or private school in the state of South Carolina. Data was collected utilizing …

Single-Working Parents’ Psychological Autonomy And Psychological Well-Being And The Mediating Role Of Work-Life Balance, Patrina Anastasia Lowrie

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Single-working parents (SWPs) shoulder dual roles and responsibilities, often resulting in strained psychological autonomy (PA), psychological well-being (PWB), and work-life balance (WLB) across their work and nonwork domains. These overlapping responsibilities create challenges in sustaining a quality of life over time. The specific problem this study addressed is that many SWPs in leadership positions do not manage their emotional center well, and the relationships among their PA, PWB, and WLB remain unknown. The purpose of this quantitative correlational study was to examine whether WLB mediates the relationship between PA and PWB in adult SWPs. Research questions were developed to explore …

A Transcendental Phenomenological Study: Exploring Experiences Of Secondary Teachers With Content- Only Training Instructing English Language Learners, Anita Ellis

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study is to describe the initial experiences of secondary content teachers from diverse backgrounds during their first five years in high schools with a substantial number of English Language Learners (above 50%) in north Georgia. The theory guiding this study is Schlossberg's transition theory as it helps to understand the psychological and emotional adaptations teachers undergo while instructing ELLs, highlighting changes in their self- perceptions, circumstances, and support networks. The central research question is: What challenges and strategies do secondary education teachers without ESOL training describe in their experiences teaching various subjects to classrooms with …

Leadership, Personality Traits, And Teacher Training Characteristics Of Secondary Band Directors In Small Alabama Schools, Robbin Nicol Holder

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This quantitative, quasi-experimental study aimed to determine the disparities in the leadership, personality traits, and teacher training characteristics of successful public and private secondary band directors in small schools in Alabama. The study focused on identifying perspectives that have not been previously explored or documented. A survey was conducted among band directors at Alabama secondary schools with a daily average enrollment of 300 or fewer students in grades nine through eleven. This information was based on data provided by the Alabama Department of Education and reported by the Alabama High School Athletic Association. The research encompassed dependent variables in leadership, …

Catholic Mass Music And Spiritual Growth, Stephenie Dinah Mokriakow

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Participation in music among Catholic grade school students is insufficient, despite research suggesting the importance of music at Catholic Mass. Student perspectives provide researchers with an understanding of music's connection to students' spiritual development. This qualitative experimental case study investigates fourth-, fifth-, and sixth-grade student perspectives of their spiritual development through worship music participation during the Mass. This experimental case study identifies perspectives not yet explored and documented concerning this group of students. This study focuses on students' social, emotional, and physical well-being throughout the study regarding the connection of music to spiritual development. Approximately thirty students participated in pre- …

The Lived Experience Of Siblings Living In The Home With An Autistic Child, Betty Polion-Cheatum

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

A sibling in the household is beneficial for a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). According to research studies, however, most of the attention is placed on managing the ASD child's behaviors. To provide insight into the non-autistic child’s perceptions, this qualitative phenomenological study investigated the lived experiences of siblings living in a home with an ASD sibling. A questionnaire survey method was used to analyze the non-autistic siblings' perceptions and lived experiences. This dissertation reviewed what sibling relationships look like for a typically developing sibling of a child with ASD. The gap in research showed there is not enough …

Childhood Adversity And The Development Of The Imposter Phenomenon, Elissa M. Jeter

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The imposter phenomenon comprises a set of emotions, cognitions, and behaviors occurring throughout the lifespan of an individual to protect against feelings of inadequacy. The consequences of the imposter phenomenon are significant to both individuals and the organization they work for, as it can cause significant emotional fatigue and burnout. These consequences include anxiety, depression, isolation, burnout, and job abandonment. Throughout decades of research, there have been mixed results regarding the causes of the imposter phenomenon. A possible commonality among these causes of the imposter phenomenon is childhood adversity. The sample used in this study was adults between the ages …

A Phenomenological Study Exploring The Indirect Impact Of Killings Of Unarmed African Americans By Police On African American Women, Deantonie E. Price

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to understand the indirect impact of police killings of unarmed African Americans on the mental and emotional well-being of African American women. This research aimed to fill a significant gap in the literature, which has been largely overlooked by focusing on the specific experiences of African American women. The central research question explored how these women articulated and experienced the emotional and psychological effects of police killings within their communities. A qualitative phenomenological approach was used to explore the complexities of individuals' perceptions, emotions, and lived experiences. Data collection included in-depth interviews, a …

Does The Addition Of Digital Care Along With Standard Chemotherapy Teaching That Is Provided At City Of Hope Increase Patient Satisfaction And Confidence?, Sheridan Wendy Lomeli, Brooklin Mize, Tatyana Franco, Daniela Naemi

Master's Projects and Capstones

Chemotherapy education is critical when it comes to improving patient confidence, reducing anxiety, and enhancing symptom management. However, there is still a variety of patients who begin their infusion therapy with a limited understanding of what to expect. This quality improvement project was conducted at an outpatient infusion center, exploring whether combining traditional nurse-led chemotherapy education calls with a digital care platform would enhance patient satisfaction and confidence compared to standard care alone. A total of forty-one adult oncology patients participated in an educational survey at the end of each follow-up phone call, which was completed three days after their …

Exploring Mental Health Issues And Health-Seeking Behaviors Among Bangladeshi International Students: A Qualitative Study, Md Monir Hossain

Electronic Theses and Dissertations Archive

This qualitative study explores the mental health experiences and help-seeking behaviors of Bangladeshi international graduate students in the United States. Based on in-depth interviews with sixteen students at the University of Memphis, I examine their mental health challenges, coping strategies, and the impact of cultural stigma. Participants report depression, anxiety, and somatic symptoms linked to academic pressure, financial stress, housing issues, and social isolation. Cultural stigma and institutional barriers discourage formal help-seeking, leading most to rely on self-help and peer support. However, some students avoid even informal support due to fear of judgment, gossip, and exploitation within their community. The …