Digital Commons Network^™

Examining The Influence Of Education On Job Satisfaction Among Georgia Police Officers: A Causal-Comparative Quantitative Analysis, Ebony J. Gammon

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative causal-comparative study was to determine if a significant difference exists between job satisfaction scores among police officers with varying levels of education. This study is important because it addresses contemporary challenges in law enforcement, will provide valuable insight into informed decision making, has broad implications and applicability, and will contribute to scant policing knowledge that informs the understanding of education level on police actions. More specifically, how higher education or the absence thereof impacts job satisfaction. The sample was composed of 180 sworn Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certified, police officers in the state …

A Critical Comparative Analysis Of The Ecclesiologies Of Carl F. H. Henry And James H. Cone Through The Lens Of Social Consciousness: Towards A Liberative Ecclesiology, Phyllis D. Johnson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The doctrine of the Church has remained a controversial and enigmatic topic for centuries. Since its inception, scholars have debated the doctrine of the Church, challenged its boundaries, and questioned its role in society. As contemporary society evolves, the Church encounters multifaceted challenges, compelling it to adapt while maintaining its spiritual mission. To address this concern, this study analyzes the ecclesiologies of Carl F. H. Henry and James H. Cone through the lens of social consciousness. A critical comparative analysis provides the most dynamic framework for examining these perspectives. By exploring probable theological points of convergence and divergence, this study …

A Phenomenological Study: The Self-Efficacious Experiences Of Mid-Level Black Female Administrators At Public Colleges And Universities In Virginia, Alexis Bacote Archer Alarcón

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to describe the self-efficacious experiences for mid-level Black female administrators at public colleges and universities in Virginia. Self-efficacious experiences were generally defined as a person’s belief in their ability to perform well in their role as a leader. The theory guiding this study was Bandura’s theory of self-efficacy. Bandura’s theory of self-efficacy served as the theoretical framework for answering the study's central question: What are the self-efficacious experiences of mid-level Black female administrators at public colleges and universities in Virginia? A transcendental phenomenological design using three core processes, epoche ́, transcendental-phenomenological reduction, …

What My Church Mother Taught Me: A Phenomenological Exploration Of The Maternal Messages Given To Black Christian Women On How To Cope With Trauma, Melanie Joyce Coates

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences of Black women in Churches of Christ as they perceive and interpret maternal messages about coping with and managing the effects of traumatic experiences. For this study, maternal messages was defined as advice, support, mentorship, or guidance from older Black Christian women to younger Black Christian women. It was important to understand the ways in which older Black women teach younger Black women in navigating mental health challenges within the context of a complex trauma history among African Americans. The first theory that guided this study was …

A Study Of The Relationship Between Emotional Intelligence And Affective Organizational Commitment And Their Effect On Turnover Intentions, David Dix Tomblison

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study examined the relationships among emotional intelligence, affective organizational commitment, and turnover intentions among millennial employees in Washington State’s technology sector. A fixed, cross-sectional quantitative design was used with data from 459 participants collected through the Wong and Law Emotional Intelligence Scale, the Meyer and Allen Affective Commitment Scale, and the Cohen Turnover Intention Scale. Statistical analyses were conducted with IBM SPSS Statistics (Version 30; IBM Corp, 2023) for simple regression analysis and the PROCESS Macro (Version 5.0, Model 1) for moderation analysis. Findings showed that emotional intelligence was positively associated with affective organizational commitment and negatively associated with …

Examining Social Determinants Of Health And The Impact On Hiv Outcomes In Black People In The United States, Triscia G. Martin

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Black people are disproportionately affected by HIV as evidenced by poor clinical outcomes and mortality. Clinical outcomes may be potentiated by patient factors, compounded by social determinants of health. This cross-sectional study sought to examine the impact of social determinants of health on AIDS mortality in the United States. Deidentified HIV data from the CDC NCHHSTP Atlas Plus repository and CDC WONDER population data were utilized to examine the association of race, sex, transmission category and geography on AIDS mortality in 43 states during 2018 to 2022. AIDS mortality was further examined through the lens of HIV stigma and housing …

Perspectives Of School Based Mental Health Workers Supporting Intellectual Disabilities & Mental Health Disorders, Anna R. Cleeland

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study aimed to investigate the current training of school based mental health (SBMH) professionals working with individuals with dual diagnosed individuals with Intellectual/Developmental disabilities and mental health disorders. A triangulated data approach of survey, focus group and journal reflection was completed providing opportunities for the SBMH professionals to describe their professional training to work with the population and expound on their experiences providing services in the K12 school setting. Results from all three data points indicated a large deficit in training options available specifically for professionals working with those who have an IDD/MH diagnosis. Results also outlined three themes/10 …

The Impact Of Education And Awareness In Influencing Lifestyle Behaviors That Prevent And Treat Sarcopenia In Older Adults: A Mixed-Methods Cross-Sectional Research Study, Alan Lynn Jones

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This mixed-methods, cross-sectional study assessed the current level of knowledge and awareness among people aged 50 and older about sarcopenia, as well as their willingness to adopt lifestyle changes that could prevent or reverse the condition as they age. The study aimed to determine whether a lack of awareness and knowledge is linked to current lifestyle behaviors that contribute to or protect against the development of the disease. The population included men and women 50 and older, living independently in the community with no prior diagnosis of sarcopenia. The study used a custom-designed questionnaire and semi-structured interviews. A total of …

The Divine Disciplinarian: God As The Model Father, Jacob Daniel Jones

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

A pastor is responsible for instructing a congregation regarding biblical information and instruction. When a person is unsure of what the Bible teaches on a topic, the pastor can preach sermons and teach lessons that convey biblical truth. The growing congregation of Nevada Free Will Baptist Church consisted of believers who had been away from church for some time and new converts, resulting in a lack of biblical literacy due to their limited exposure to biblical truth. One area where congregants were uninformed was biblical parenting. This study addressed the problem of biblical illiteracy regarding parenting. It informed participants about …

The Servant’S Ear: Study Of The Servant In Whom Yhwh Is Well Pleased: An Expositional Connection Of Exodus 21:5-6 And Deuteronomy 15:16-17 To The Servants Of Revelation, Warren Eugene Hoskins

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation undertakes an extensive investigation into the theological, historical, and literary development of the biblical servant motif. This study examines the evolution of the concept of servitude, beginning with its origins in Ancient Near Eastern (ANE) laws and culture.

It is anchored in the tradition of ear-piercing for the willing servant, as outlined in Exodus 21:5-6 and Deuteronomy 15:16-17. This research unpacks how ideas about servitude changed in the Old Testament law and how this relates to the end times and the early church, as described in Revelation. This study also compares Old Testament servant laws with those of …

Myths And Memories: The New South & Lost Cause In Georgia, Stephen Bliss Jones

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The defeat of the Confederacy led way to the development of two related but distinctly separate ideological movements, the New South and the Lost Cause. However, in the course of Civil War historiography, the two have been conflated with one another, with the Lost Cause winning out as the solely accredited ideological product of the vanquished Confederacy. The modern Neo-Reconstruction school of thought discredits the New South as a distinct sociopolitical movement, and frequently associates its cultural products to the Lost Cause. This dissertation examines the cultural and political evolution of each movement, with a focus upon their primary cultural …

Public Administration's Ability To Ensure Service Quality Through Occupational Licensing Requirements: A Multiple Linear Regression Analysis, Ryan Mcdonald

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Occupational licensing was developed to protect the public good. Public administrators are tasked with the responsibility of ensuring future workers enter their professions prepared to provide adequate service quality to the public. This study is grounded in the framework of public interest theory and seeks to evaluate whether the administration of occupational licensing and its associated requirements by public licensing boards aligns with the theory’s intended purpose of serving and protecting the public good. Public interest theory posits public administration operates in the best interest of the population, rather than for personal gain. A multiple linear regression was performed to …

Personality Traits And Perceived Barriers: A Comparative Study Of Teacher Views On Behavior Interventions, Patricia Geiger Lee

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Maladaptive behaviors negatively affect both students and teachers. Students’ academic success, mental health, and safety are jeopardized by these behaviors, while teachers experience increased stress and burnout when managing them. Behavior interventions have been shown to reduce maladaptive behaviors and improve outcomes. Although most teachers agree that certain factors act as barriers to implementing behavior interventions, there is no consensus on the frequency or impact of these barriers. Guided by the Big Five Theory, this quantitative study examined how teachers’ levels of extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, neuroticism, and openness were associated with differences in their perceptions of the frequency and impact …

Experiences Of Attachment And Childhood Sexual Abuse In Transgender Adults, Kimberly M. Langford

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study is to understand the experiences transgender adults have with attachment and childhood sexual abuse (CSA). The theory guiding this study is John Bowlby’s attachment theory, as secure attachment has the potential to act as a buffer against increased risks in cases where histories of CSA have occurred. Patterns of insecure and disorganized attachment are found at higher percentages within the transgender and gender dysphoric population than the cisgender population when a history of CSA is present. Research was needed to further explore and better understand the transgender population’s experiences of attachment and CSA with …

Law Enforcement Officer Perceptions In The Current Socio-Political And Cultural Environment: How Psychological Stress Impacts Overall Job Satisfaction, Mitzie L. Forrest

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore police officer perceptions of job stress and satisfaction within the occupational environment at a mid-sized police agency in the Southern United States in the five years immediately following the George Floyd incident. Using Grounded Theory (GT), six major socio-political and cultural factors were investigated to determine the effects on police officer wellbeing and overall job satisfaction. The factors explored were defund the police, Black Lives Matter, social unrest, media impact, cancel culture, and woke culture. The data collection process involved the triangulation of data obtained through an agency-wide anonymous survey to …

The Complexities Of Impoliteness In Digital Workspaces: A Politeness Theory Analysis Of Gen Z Workplace Communication, Russell D. Jones

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative study was to investigate how Generation Z’s on TikTok influences their communication patterns in professional and social contexts, with specific attention to the role of politeness and impoliteness. Addressing a gap in communication scholarship, digital-native practices reshape established theories of interaction and affect workplace expectations were examined. Using a phenomenological design, data was collected from 30 semi-structured interviews and 300 open-ended survey responses to capture a broad and deep account of Gen Z communication. Thematic analysis and triangulation revealed three dominant patterns: (a) the redefinition of professionalism through informal and brief exchanges, (b) the habitual …

The Lived Experiences Of Mothers Of Children With Down Syndrome Using Teleot Services: A Phenomenological Study, Tumini Umukoro

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

In response to the COVID-19 lockdown in the United States, therapy services for children with developmental delays transitioned to telehealth services. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the lived experiences of mothers of children diagnosed with Down syndrome (DS) who received occupational therapy services through telehealth (teleOT) using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). Bronfenbrenner's ecological system theory was the framework used to address the research questions: RQ1: What are the lived experiences of mothers of children with DS regarding teleOT services? RQ2: How do mothers of children with DS perceive the benefits and challenges of telehealth OT services? …

155 Linden Llc V. Washington

All Decisions

In this nonpayment proceeding, the tenant moved for leave to amend their answer and for summary judgment on affirmative defenses under Multiple Dwelling Law (MDL) §§ 301 and 302. The court granted leave to amend and then granted summary judgment to the tenant. It was undisputed that the building had sixteen open Department of Building (DOB) violations and partial vacate orders for unauthorized conversion of commercial space into apartments, which contravened the certificate of occupancy. Citing *Chazon, LLC v. Maugeneset*, the court held that these violations precluded the landlord from collecting rent, regardless of whether the tenant's specific unit was …

Criminalizing Difference: An Intersectional Analysis Of Disability In The Criminal Justice System, Rowan Eisleman

Student Scholar Symposium Abstracts and Posters

This research addresses the central question: How do individuals with disabilities intersect with the criminal justice system, and what systemic factors contribute to their overrepresentation and victimization? Despite over 61 million Americans having disabilities, there exists a significant gap in comprehensive scholarship examining disability-criminal justice intersections, particularly regarding how people with intellectual and developmental disabilities experience unique vulnerabilities as both offenders and victims. This study contributes to disability studies and criminology by providing a comprehensive intersectional analysis examining how disability compounds with race and gender to create compounded marginalization. This study conducted a comprehensive literature review, analyzing government statistics from …

2025-12-04 Faculty Senate Meeting Minutes, Morehead State University. Faculty Senate.

Faculty Senate Records

Faculty Senate meeting minutes from December 4, 2025.

Asian College Students' Well-Being During A Period Of Rising Anti-Asian Sentiment, Kyuhan Choi, Ying Shi, Maria Zhu

Center for Policy Research

We use a large survey of students in U.S. colleges to study the distinct ways in which the COVID-19 pandemic and accompanying anti-Asian rhetoric shaped the experiences of Asian and Pacific Islanders (APIs). Using a difference-in-differences approach, we find that the pandemic led to Asian students experiencing more discrimination, feeling less safe during the day, and using fewer mental health services compared to White peers. The increase in discrimination and the perceived lower safety are concentrated among East and Southeast Asians, while South Asians were not affected. Despite these effects, we detect no relative deterioration in severe psychological distress or …

Hawk's Herald -- December 4, 2025, Roger Williams University

Hawk's Herald

No abstract provided.

Diary Of A Young Actress: An Inquiry Into Failure, Resilience, And The Actor’S Journey, Keira Biala

Student Scholar Symposium Abstracts and Posters

What is the journey? For some, it may be a road to a physical destination. For others like myself, it is a pathway containing failures such as rejection and successes such as booking roles. Sometimes, these failures can challenge our sense of self, leading to unhealthy coping mechanisms. As a deep exploration of self-comparison, self-worth, and rejection in people’s artistic and non-artistic journeys, I created an album called Diary of a Young Actress consisting of self-written songs about these three topics when it comes to my acting journey. Moreover, I read books and articles about people’s perspectives on their journeys …

Turkey’S Recent E-Commerce Amendments: A Critical Comparison With The Eu Digital Markets Act, Kaan Kocabas, Jurgita Malinauskaite

Yearbook of Antitrust and Regulatory Studies

Recent regulatory reforms in Turkey aim to address the competitive risks posed by dominant digital platforms, particularly concerning data exploitation, self-preferencing, and discriminatory conduct. Rather than introducing a standalone competition law instrument, Turkey amended its Law on the Regulation of Electronic Commerce to embed competition-related obligations, raising questions about the consistency and coherence of enforcement. This article analyses the legal and institutional implications of these amendments, critically comparing Turkey’s approach with the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). It argues that while the Turkish amendments reflect global regulatory trends, the lack of a dedicated competition framework risks creating enforcement conflicts …

Addressing Injustices Toward Individuals With Schizophrenia-Spectrum Conditions: A Call To Action For Social Work Practice, Shannon M. Blajeski, Lindsay A. Bornheimer, Jessica A. Wojtalik, Lynette Studer, Shelly Ben-David, Patricia R. Turner, Ana T. Flores, Matthew J. Smith, Nev Jones, Jordan E. Devylder

School of Social Work Faculty Publications and Presentations

The field of social work has a lengthy history of training social workers for community mental health settings, and an ethical commitment to advance human rights and social justice. However, individuals with schizophrenia-spectrum conditions continue to suffer from myriad social injustices, including poverty, social isolation, and lower-life expectancy. This paper outlines these injustices, and reviews historical social work contributions and current training for supporting this population. Finally, the authors outline actions to 1) adopt national practice guidelines that formally acknowledge injustices, including anti-oppressive practice guidelines that are inclusive of lived experience, and 2) revitalize social work’s contributions to models of …

The Divided Self: Gothic Duality In Literature, Sarah Anna Meeks

Masters Theses

Gothic literature of the nineteenth century is haunting due to its frequent use of ghosts and monsters. However, the true terror lies in a deeper horror, one that is more intimate and destabilizing– a fright that leaps out of the text, looking into the heart of the reader: the fractured mind of the self torn between reality and repression, haunted by its own, newly manifested internal disunity rather than external monsters. The characters of Gothic fiction are typically caught in a psychological turmoil. They battle with split morals between duty and desire, morality and madness, and science and spirituality. Specifically, …

Exploring The Relationship Between Loneliness And Real-Time Measurements Of Gsr And Hrv During Concept Mapping, And Cortisol And Oxytocin Levels, Jangwon Seo

Masters Theses

This study attempts to explore loneliness among college students from a bio-physio-psycho-social perspective, and it utilizes real-time physiological measurements (GSR and HRV) and biomarkers (cortisol and oxytocin) in conjunction with psychosocial assessments. The study employs both qualitative and quantitative methods, which involve concept mapping exercises, with the aim of comprehending the full nature of how loneliness interacts with physiological and psychological processes. At Time 1 (T1) we found significant positive correlations between loneliness and elevated GSR levels, which is indicative of increased sympathetic arousal (r = .35, p < .01). Additionally, there were significant negative correlations between loneliness and mean RR intervals in HRV that indicated autonomic dysregulation featured by increased sympathetic activities as well as reduced parasympathetic functions (r = -.28, p < .05). However, at Time 2 (T2), these correlations were not significant indicating possible temporal fluctuations due to adaptive responses or extraneous variables such social support systems or coping mechanisms. The qualitative data from concept mapping enriched the analysis by providing deeper insights into the cognitive and emotional processes underlying loneliness. Despite limitations like demographic skewness, funding constraints, logistical challenges, etc., this, therefore, highlights the need for multidimensional investigations of psychological phenomena. This has implications for future research as well as clinical practice, which could include using these integrative measures to develop holistic interventions for mental health disorders.

Super-Fast, Super-Early: High-Frequency Oscillations May Be A Prelude To Alzheimer's Dementia In Down Syndrome, Manuel Silva-Pérez, Jeannie Chin

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Alzheimer's disease (AD) dementia has near full penetrance in adults with Down syndrome (DS) and is strongly linked to late-onset myoclonic epilepsy in Down syndrome (LOMEDS). However, promising biomarkers of epileptogenicity, such as high-frequency oscillations (HFOs >250 Hz), have not been studied. This study is the first to use wideband polysomnography in DS to investigate if HFOs occurred and preceded AD dementia and LOMEDS. Methods: Wideband (0.1 to 500 Hz, 2048 Hz) polysomnography was performed using the international 10–20 system. HFOs were automatically detected during slow-wave sleep, followed by manual review. Results: Fourteen individuals with DS and five age-matched euploid …

The Call For Wailing Women In Jeremiah 9:17: Biblical Theology Of Mourning Within The Context Of Repentance, Nwabuogo N. B. Okafo

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The Hebrew Bible features numerous accounts of mourning that reveal it as a significant aspect of the ancient Near Eastern burial customs. Biblical mourning involves an established process of grieving the loss of a dead person by his or her family and community (Deut 34:8; 2 Sam 1:11–12). The Bible also mentions other forms of mourning besides grieving the loss of the dead. Penitential mourning is the expression of sorrow resulting from awareness of personal or corporate sin (Joel 2:12–14; Ezra 10:6). Penitential mourning could be personal or corporate (2 Sam 12:13, 16; Ezra 9:3–4). Corporate mourning involving donning of …

Exploring The Influence Of A Faith-Based Ngo On The Causal Agency Of Children With Disabilities Living In Informal Settlements Outside Nairobi: A Case Study, Amy M. Silvas

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this case study was to explore the influence of a faith-based non-governmental organization’s (NGO’s) special needs supports on the causal agency of children with disabilities living in an urban settlement outside Nairobi, Kenya. The theory guiding this study was Shogren et al.’s causal agency theory as it looks at the fundamentals of self-determination in interaction with the demands and support available within a specific context. The central research question was: How does interaction with a faith-based NGO’s special education supports influence the ability of children with disabilities and living in an urban informal settlement to be active …