Digital Commons Network^™

Teaching Word Combinations Using Matrix Training Via Serious Gaming In Minimally Verbal Children, Nataly Innamorato

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation addresses the communication challenges faced by minimally verbal children who use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), often limited to one-word expressions. The approach used involves gamifying matrix training, an empirically supported method for teaching word combinations and promoting the generalization of language skills. Across three studies, the development of an instructional game is described and evaluated with two populations, typically developing children and children who are minimally verbal. First, it introduces a gamified application of matrix training that provides training in an interactive digital environment. Second, a proof-of-concept was obtained via a multiple baseline across participants with typically …

Ties That Bind: A Study Of Relational Networks And Spiritual Formation, Joshua Michael Leborious

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

In His earthly ministry, Christ tasked the church with the responsibility of making disciples. Today, God calls leaders into professional ministry to discern specific means of doing so. The calling does not make that task easy and the methods for making disciple vary greatly, leaving Christian leaders overwhelmed by trying to figure out how to disciple the people in their care. A mountain of sources suggest that a relational approach has remarkable potential for making disciples. The purpose of this quantitative research study was to explore the potential relationship between relational networks and quantifiable habits of spiritual formation for adult, …

Student And Teacher Perspectives On Blending Popular Music Pedagogies Into Kodály-Based Elementary Music Classes, Maurine Floyd Parker

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Kodály instructors in the United States train music educators to use American folk songs and classical Western European music as a foundation for students’ lessons; however, American music classrooms today look very different from the 1940s Hungarian classrooms when Zoltán Kodály developed his philosophy for teaching music, and there is a current need to include music that reflects the diverse student population within our schools. While Kodály “purists” may be hesitant to add music outside the realm of folk songs and art music, doing so may provide today’s learners the relevancy to stay engaged as valued members of the music …

To Use Or Not To Use Exclusionary Discipline In Early Childhood Education? A Phenomenological Analysis Of Pre-Kindergarten Teachers In Alabama, Christal C. Coker

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative phenomenological study was conducted to examine the lived experiences of pre- kindergarten teachers in Alabama regarding their use of and restraint from using exclusionary discipline. The study aimed to find outcomes that could potentially improve social contexts in Alabama's preschools by creating more equitable learning environments. The problem addressed by the study is that the lived experience of preschool teachers regarding their use of and restraint from using exclusionary discipline when students misbehave at school remains to be discovered. A purposive sampling strategy was employed to recruit seven preschool teachers licensed in Alabama for a one-on-one semi-structured Zoom …

Exploring The Stigma Of Mental Health In Oneness Pentecostal Churches From A Pastoral Perspective, Jannett Liburd

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the stigma of mental health in Oneness Pentecostal churches in the Northeast from a pastoral perspective. The theory guiding this study is Sigmund Freud’s object relational theory (ORT), as it focuses on the past experiences an individual has with an object, person, or event, and how the experience, whether negative or positive, shapes the person’s attitude and behavior in the future. Mental health stigma is a phenomenon with which individuals may have had a harmful experience. In the study, the central research question was: What are the lived experiences of Oneness …

Investigating The Relationship Between Social Media Usage, Perceived Stress, Depression And Spirituality, Jeffrey Leyland King

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The rapid rise in social media usage (SMU) in the past two decades correlates with a sharp rise in depression (Dep) and self-harm in emerging adults. Many studies have focused on the aspects of diminished well-being, self-harm and suicide, and a possible association between daily spiritual experiences (DSE) and Dep, although there is a paucity of research on DSE to moderate the association. This study was guided by three theories; need-to-belong, social comparison, and cognitive dissonance. The present quantitative study aimed to explore the significance of the association between SMU, perceived stress (PS), and Dep moderated by DSE in emerging …

Secondary Youth-Level Mechanisms Of Change In Parent Training For Anxious Youth, Jacey L Anderberg, Kelly Barry, Blake M Upshaw, Katie H Mangen, Samuel D Spencer, Andrew G Guzick, Daphne M Ayton, Amanda D Palo, Abigail E Candelari, Eric A Storch

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background: Parent-focused treatments are a promising approach for addressing youth anxiety outside of traditional therapist-delivered modalities. Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE) has preliminarily demonstrated efficacy for reducing family accommodation (FA), a key treatment outcome for youth anxiety.

Objective: Since the mechanisms of SPACE remain relatively understudied, we examined youth-reported distress tolerance (DT), anxiety sensitivity (AS), and negative automatic thoughts as candidate mechanisms of SPACE using data from a previously conducted clinical trial.

Methods: In a sample of N = 68 youth (M age = 10.2; 52% male; 62% White), we examined: (a) associations among candidate mechanisms and …

Let's Chat About Spoken Discourse: A Tutorial To Support Use Of Spoken Discourse Analysis When Providing Aphasia Clinical Services., Manaswita Dutta, Laura L. Murray, Hyejin Park, Elizabeth Burklow, Arpita Bose, Hana Kim, Kathryn Greenslade, Amy E. Ramage, Collean Combs, Anusha Balasubramanian, Marianne Casilio

Speech and Hearing Sciences Faculty Publications and Presentations

Spoken discourse is integral to everyday communication; improving discourse outcomes is a primary goal for individuals with aphasia and their families. Consequently, the application of discourse analysis in aphasia assessment and treatment has gained increasing attention in both research and clinical settings. Despite its recognized value among researchers and clinicians, several barriers-such as limited time, inadequate training, and lack of resources-continue to impede the widespread use of discourse analysis into clinical practice. To facilitate its broader adoption, speech-language pathologists require access to comprehensive resources that include information on discourse tasks, outcome measures, psychometric properties, and practical examples of how to …

Healthy Bodies, Moral Minds, And Rural Ideals: Contextualizing Interwar British Childhood And Citizenship Through Children's Country Holidays Fund Vacations, Paula J. Pack

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation uses the Children’s Country Holidays Fund (CCHF) as a critical lens to examine how philanthropy, childhood, class, public health, and rural nostalgia intersected within the broader context of citizen formation in interwar Britain. Founded in 1884 to provide country holidays for poor London schoolchildren, the CCHF evolved from a philanthropic response to Victorian slum life into an informal arm of welfare governance by the end of the interwar period. Through its country holidays, the Fund became an active participant in shaping ideals of health, morality, and civic responsibility in a period marked by heightened concern over national vitality …

If The Halls Could Talk: Educator Narratives On Teen Media Literacy, Doda Lulgjuraj

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Adolescents are avid yet vulnerable consumers of digital and social media, frequently exposed to non-credible information without possessing the essential tools to evaluate it effectively. The qualitative research conducted explores adolescent media literacy through the perspectives of middle school and high school educators, intending to understand students' ability to discern credible information. Additionally, this research aims to determine the extent to which current educational practices foster this skill. This study underscores the importance of equipping adolescents with media literacy skills in an increasingly complex and sometimes misleading digital environment. Thirty-six educators from four states in the U.S. participated in semi-structured …

Pastoring The Pastor: Self-Care Among African American Clergy, Alexander Jamerison

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

When self-care is effectively implemented, it can help individuals avoid or reduce mental health challenges throughout their lives (Luis et al., 2021). Unfortunately, research indicates numerous mental health challenges faced by clergy (Chan & Chen, 2019; Jackson, 2013; Gallagher, 2019; Edward, 2020). To assist ministers in cultivating a healthier life and a more effective ministry, this study will specifically explore the relationship between self-care and mental health challenges among African American clergy. The literature on this subject will identify historical, cultural, and spiritual influences. It will also examine specific mental health concerns, effective self-care practices, and relevant outcomes. Although research …

Evaluating The Utilization Of Icd-10 Z-Codes For Documenting Social Determinants Of Health And The Association With Frequent Emergency Department Visits Among Medicaid Beneficiaries, Sofia L. Gomez

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study assesses the use of ICD-10 Z-codes for documenting social determinants of health (SDoH) and examines their relationship with frequent emergency department (ED) visits among Arizona Medicaid-eligible beneficiaries. This retrospective cohort study utilizes claims data from a major Arizona Medicaid payor to explore the frequency of ICD-10 Z-codes use for documenting SDoH, associations between variables, and factors most strongly linked to higher ED utilization. The study sample (N = 53,368) includes Medicaid beneficiaries with ED visits in 2023, including 47,153 individuals without documented SDoH and 6,215 individuals with documented SDoH. Descriptive and statistical analyses, such as binomial tests, chi-square …

Special Operations Forces Cadre Self-Efficacy: Insights From A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study On Education And Training, Edward O. Funes

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study is to describe the lived experiences of the special operations forces’ cadre self-efficacy throughout their educational journey at the Special Operations Forces Training Center (SOFTC). The theory guiding this study is Bandura’s self-efficacy, based on the social cognitive theory, which posits that individuals’ belief in their capabilities is crucial to their success. The central research question is: What are the experiences of the special operations forces’ cadre self-efficacy throughout their educational journey? The methodology used in this study ensures that all its chapters are interconnected with a robust, cohesive, and rigorous approach to …

Finding Strength In The Broken Places: Examining The Influence Of Aces On The Mother/Daughter Relationship, Taressa R. Copeland

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Daughters raised by mothers who experienced childhood adversity may be ill-equipped for motherhood themselves due to the mother’s guilt and societal stigma associated with the adversity and the impact on lived experiences. Current studies fail to consider the bidirectional influence of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on the mother-daughter relationship. Community stakeholders such as healthcare providers must find a way to support the mother-daughter relationship by providing a safe platform to share and understand experiences as well as identify opportunities for resilience. Resources are also necessary to raise awareness and support mental health. This study used a qualitative phenomenological approach to …

Exploring The Lived Experiences Of University Students With Lyme Disease: A Qualitative Transcendental Phenomenological Study, Rebekah A. Russell

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative transcendental phenomenological study aimed to describe the lived experiences of students with persistent or reoccurring Lyme disease symptoms post-treatment within the context of higher education institutions. Guided by Nancy Schlossberg’s transition theory, the research sought to explore the challenges students encountered while experiencing lasting symptoms of Lyme disease post-treatment. The central research question driving the inquiry was: What are the lived experiences of students contending with persistent or reoccurring Lyme disease symptoms post-treatment while pursuing higher education? Employing a transcendental phenomenological method, the study utilized journal prompts, interviews, and two focus groups comprised of students who have navigated …

Gamification As A Catalyst For Integrating Diverse Disciplines In Higher Education Curriculum: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study, Sierra Pollard

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to explore and describe the lived experiences of university students as they engaged with gamification strategies in cross-disciplinary higher education programs. By focusing on students' perspectives, this study aimed to uncover how the integration of gamified elements in their coursework influenced engagement, intrinsic motivation, and the development of interdisciplinary competencies. Flow theory guided this study, providing insight into the relationship between motivation, engagement, and optimal learning experiences. The central research question was: What was the cross-disciplinary experiential learning experience of students at Central University? The study employed a qualitative, phenomenological design with …

“You Learn To Control What You Can Control”: A Mixed-Methods Examination Of Burnout In Rural Pk–12 Administrators Using The Pillar-Integration Process, Brooke Hildebrand Clubbs, Eu Gene Chin, Rollin D. Nordgren

Journal of Educational Research and Practice

Teacher burnout is a growing concern among educators and the communities they serve, due to a nationwide shortage of teachers. Burnout of principals and other school administrators, however, is relatively unexamined. This mixed-methods study of pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade (PK-12) administrators in rural Midwestern school districts found that contributors to burnout included safety concerns and student behavior, lack of resources and support, and mandatory assessments of student learning. Factors that mitigated burnout included choosing to protect personal energy, getting support from colleagues and administrators, and making a difference in students’ lives. Forty-three administrators completed a survey adapted from the Maslach …

Behavioral Change Towards Meat Consumption To Address Climate Change, Mario A. Giraldo, Jad Aljersh

CSU Journal of Sustainability and Climate Change

Although there is consensus in the need to address the causes of climate change, very little attention has been done to implementing large scale strategies to produce behavioral change in the community to reduce greenhouse emissions. We conducted a study among college students, to evaluate their behavioral change towards a plant based diet after reflecting in the environmental effect in greenhouse emissions of animal protein consumption. During a two weeks’ period participants were required to keep a diary of the food items and meat servings they consumed, and to calculate the carbon footprint of their diet. On the second week …

Navigating Reintegration: A Qualitative Exploration Of The Challenges And Success Factors For Women Offenders In Society, Arabella Grace Alegrid Velasquez, Beatrice Gabrielle Z. Dyquiangco, Vylet Xummer Eduardo Pimpinio, Tamachi Agnesia Varent, Lander James Luke Torres Villanueva

DLSU Senior High School Research Congress

This study explores the different challenges and success factors women ex-offenders face during their reintegration into society after being incarcerated. With the help of 11 women on parole and probation in Baguio City from interviews, the researchers were able to examine their experiences and perspectives. Superordinate themes emerged, namely Reintegration Struggles and Societal Rejection, Resilience Through Support Systems, and Stigma and Social Exclusion. The results indicate the personal, societal, and structural barriers that women offenders face upon reintegration. Additionally, the successful reintegration of women offenders is influenced by both internal and external support systems, personal motivation, and spiritual guidance. A …

Uncovering Political Agendas: A Multimodal Critical Discourse Analysis Of Philippine Government Agencies’ Websites, Giulia Renee B. Singson, Justine Gabrielle L. Yu, Julia Cailean G. Dueñas, Charlaine G. Alodaga

DLSU Senior High School Research Congress

The role of websites in communicating government services and updates to constituents is paramount since they can serve as dependable hubs of critical information. However, since these are government websites, there may be politics behind their visual and textual contents that need to be uncovered. Yet, there has been a dearth of studies, especially in the Philippine context, that scrutinized the sociopolitical forces that are at play in the production of these website contents. Hence, in this study, we attempted to continue seamlessly meshing the critical discourse analysis framework of Fairclough with a multimodal analytical model in dissecting the top …

Tochi, Princess Bianca T. Sy, Luigi Trevor L. Lui, Jacques Philippe G.N. Tang, Julia Mae B. Angeles

DLSU Senior High School Research Congress

TOCHI was founded to provide comfort and care to people seeking everyday relief and relaxation. With this in mind, the company created a hand pillow that can serve as a solution to many issues and pains faced by people daily. May these be cramps, body pain, or lack of relaxation, the product’s heating and cooling aspect, as well as its therapeutic aroma greatly assists in relief. The team behind TOCHI includes Bianca Sy, Julia Angeles, Jacques Tang, and Luigi Lui, serving as the Resource Manager, Marketing Manager, Operations Manager, and Finance Manager respectively. By January 27, 2025, the company had …

Opulace, Kristianna N. Naron, Michael Andre M. Mempin, Zei Alexa S. Salazar, Charisse Isabel V. Alagar

DLSU Senior High School Research Congress

Opulace is a student-led business founded in January 2025. It responds to the increased demand among Generation Z consumers for stylish, affordable accessories or ‘anik-aniks.’ The brand sells shoelace charms, shoe chains, and mesh shoelaces, offering customers jewelry for leveling up their fashion in a unique manner: by adorning their footwear. Operating as a sole proprietorship, Opulace is controlled by four founders: Zei Salazar (General Manager), Andre Mempin (Operations Manager), Kristianna Naron (Finance Manager), and Charisse Alagar (Marketing Manager), whose positions align with their respective strengths. The team is supported by mentors, Chester Lin and Christine Marañon, who provide strategic …

Balancing The Ideal While Keeping It Real: The Lived Experiences Of Lasallian Content Creators Engaged In Lifestyle Marketing, Veronica Grace M. Cerda, Alberto Edgar P. Medina V, Lisa Maria C. Roessler, Joseph S. Cadelina

DLSU Senior High School Research Congress

TikTok and Instagram have become global platforms being used by influencers, particularly those from Generation Z, to engage audiences in lifestyle content. Among these are Lasallian students who experience the complexities of authenticity while still following the values of De La Salle University-Manila. This study explores how Lasallian influencers balance their idealized online image and their identity, moral responsibilities, and the psycho-emotional impacts of content creation. Using a qualitative descriptive approach, the study used two in-depth semi-structured interviews with eight Lasallian influencers aged 18-27 who create content on TikTok and Instagram. Thematic analysis was used to identify recurring and emerging …

Filipino Parentification On The Eldest Child Enrolled As A Senior High School At De La Salle University - Dasmariñas High School: An Exploration Of Its Effects On Interpersonal Relationships With Friends, Naraeshcka Nailah Molina Lumba, Ron Antoine Ramirez Corpuz, Maria Jhemille Lopez Dela Cruz, Nica Angela Guarin Dulce, Ruzzlyn Myles Briones Manay, Dhey Zamyuel Gonzales Masilang, Miguel Guillen Buhay Orozco, Fionah Zoe Lopez Pros

DLSU Senior High School Research Congress

This study examined Filipino parentification among eldest children enrolled as senior high school students at De La Salle University - Dasmariñas, focusing on its impact on friendships. Grounded in Role Theory and Attachment Theory, it explored how premature parental responsibilities shape social interactions using a qualitative phenomenological approach with semi-structured interviews. Findings indicate that eldest children often assume caregiving, emotional support, and decision-making roles, fostering maturity and resilience, but also leading to trust issues, emotional distancing, and difficulties in maintaining friendships. Avoidant individuals tend to adopt parental roles within friend groups, while those with anxious attachment seek nurturing relationships akin …

Beyond Sunday: The Lived Experience Of Gen Z Practicing Christians In The 21st Century, John Ramzel Dylan C. Galido

DLSU Senior High School Research Congress

This study investigates the lived experiences of Generation Z practicing Christians in the 21st century, examining how they sustain their faith amid secularization, technological advancements, and shifting societal norms. Employing a phenomenological approach, in-depth semi-structured interviews with 5 Gen Z Practicing Christians revealed key themes: (1) their faith is characterized by a dynamic, personal relationship with God, nurtured through daily practices rather than rigid rituals; (2) they actively negotiate tensions between biblical values and secular culture, often prioritizing divine principles over societal expectations; (3) familial teachings and faith-based communities play foundational roles in shaping their spiritual identity; (4) personal struggles, …

A Taste Of Insight: Exploring The Perspectives Of Dlsu Student-Athletes On The Mediterranean Diet, Ethan F. Alvarez, Zoe Adda O. Beluso, Ceris Maxine Chua, Sarah Abigail M. Sanchez, Maria Michaela Santos, Olga G. Parco

DLSU Senior High School Research Congress

The Mediterranean diet, its health benefits, and in the context of sports have been commonly studied within European and North African countries. However, there are limited studies that present the perceptions of student-athletes on the diet from Asian countries, particularly in the Philippines. Guided by the Health Belief Model (HBM), the study aimed to explore and understand the perceptions of student-athletes about their awareness, insights, or experiences on the Mediterranean diet, along with its perceived threats and benefits. Through a descriptive qualitative approach, a semi-structured interview with seven DLSU student-athletes was employed to determine the perspectives of DLSU student-athletes. Eleven …

Dalawang Henerasyon, Isang Kasaysayan: Audience Reception Of Pepe Diokno’S Gomburza Among Selected Individuals From The Baby Boomer Generation And Generation Z In Metro Manila, Elyssa Merella A. Abundo, Andre Dax M. Dacanay, Ana Marie M. Ebersole, Deirdre Hannah R. Tattao

DLSU Senior High School Research Congress

In the face of injustice and oppression, history remembers those who dared to resist. GomBurZa (2023), directed by Pepe Diokno, follows the story of the three martyred priests—Mariano Gomez, Jose Burgos, and Jacinto Zamora—whose execution in 1872 ignited a national awakening during the Spanish colonial rule in the Philippines (Agbayani III, 2022). This qualitative study explored how the Baby Boomer Generation and Generation Z in Metro Manila received and interpreted the film. It reflected whether their views about Gomburza evolved and revealed converging and diverging opinions within and between the two generations. It also investigated the broader implications of their …

Navigating Ambiguity: An In-Depth Exploration Of Situationships In Contemporary Romantic Relationships, Shiywonee Khanalee De Jesus Delizo, Yonah Adamae Roxas Dapliyan, Hildebrand Tridant Awkit Ban-Eg, Calvine Audric Fajardo Canlas, Neil Ivan Dominguez Tong, Eliecea Red Ibarra Yusingco

DLSU Senior High School Research Congress

This qualitative study examined the phenomenon of situationships, which is defined as a romantic involvement that lacks clear commitment, boundaries, and labels. Situationships have surfaced in the context of modern dating culture with the rise of dating apps, in which people may display behaviors typical of couples but are contradictory to their traditional definitions of romantic relationships. This study explored the characteristics that define situationships, how people manage their inherent ambiguity, and why individuals prefer situationships over traditional established relationships. The data was gathered through in-depth interviews and an inductive thematic analysis of participants' experiences. The results revealed that open …

The Role Of Social Media In Philippine Disaster Management: A Systematic Literature Review, Maxim Alexandrite V. Inoferio, Henry Joshua A. Hernandez, Rich Angelo P. Santos

DLSU Senior High School Research Congress

Despite the Philippines being one of the world’s most disaster-prone countries, research on the role of social media in its disaster risk management remains limited. This study addresses that gap through a systematic review of existing literature on social media use in Philippine disaster risk management. Results show that social media is primarily employed in response to typhoons and earthquakes, while its application to other hazards such as COVID-19, floods, and vegetation fires remains underexplored. Usage is concentrated in the response and recovery phases, with minimal attention to prevention and no studies focused on mitigation. Notable best practices include real-time …

Youth In Leadership: Exploring The Roles, Challenges, And Impact Of Sangguniang Kabataan Chairpersons In Community Development, Hannah B. Ignacio Na, Alexandra Isabela B. Vergara Na, Markane Victor B. Carantes Na, Dayenne Say R. Labita Na

DLSU Senior High School Research Congress

The Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) plays a vital role in youth leadership and community development in the Philippines, yet its impact in Baguio City remains underexplored. This study examines the responsibilities, challenges, and strategies of SK Chairpersons in addressing youth-related issues. Using a qualitative research design with descriptive phenomenology, the study captures the firsthand experiences of eight SK Chairpersons, aged 18 to 24, through face-to-face interviews. Thematic analysis reveals key obstacles, including low youth engagement, leadership struggles, and difficulties in forming a quorum, which hinder project approvals and funding. Success depends on youth participation, priority setting, and balancing leadership with personal …