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Investigating The Effects Of Biological Sex And Academic Qualifications On Teacher Self-Efficacy Among Middle School Teachers In Ghana: A Causal Comparative Study, Enock Yeng Apr 2026

Investigating The Effects Of Biological Sex And Academic Qualifications On Teacher Self-Efficacy Among Middle School Teachers In Ghana: A Causal Comparative Study, Enock Yeng

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative, causal comparative study was to investigate the differences in teacher self-efficacy among middle school teachers in Ghana based on biological sex and academic qualifications. This study investigated the effects of biological sex (male or female) and academic qualifications (associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degree) on teacher self-efficacy among 196 middle school teachers in the Effutu Municipality (Winneba) in the central region of Ghana. The study addressed the ambiguity of how academic preparation and demographic characteristics shape a teacher's confidence to positively impact student learning. Data were collected using the teachers' sense of efficacy scale, and a …

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The Predictive Influence Of Management Leadership Styles On Employee Retention In The Aerospace And Defense (A&D) Industry In Northern Virginia, Shawn M. Hall Apr 2026

The Predictive Influence Of Management Leadership Styles On Employee Retention In The Aerospace And Defense (A&D) Industry In Northern Virginia, Shawn M. Hall

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This fixed-design quantitative study evaluates the predictive influence of management leadership styles on employee retention within the Aerospace and Defense (A&D) industry in Northern Virginia. Addressing a critical decline in industry retention that impacts organizational productivity and profitability, the research utilizes a post-positivist paradigm to analyze data (N = 773) from participants across seven major A&D organizations. The study measures four primary constructs: Intent to Stay, Management Leadership Styles, Job Satisfaction, and Leader Support. A hierarchical multiple regression analysis was performed to isolate the predictive power of leadership style after controlling for demographic factors, including age, gender, role, and years …

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Impact Of Hierarchical Organizational Structures On Gen-Z Turnover Intention, Mason W. Doty Apr 2026

Impact Of Hierarchical Organizational Structures On Gen-Z Turnover Intention, Mason W. Doty

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This research project sought to address the influence hierarchical organizational structures have on Gen-Z turnover intention. Technological advancements coupled with Gen-Z entering the workforce with their unique perspectives and expectations have sparked a new phenomenon of “job-hopping.” This research focused on U.S. servicemembers and Department of War civilian employees that are employed at a military installation in Texas to evaluate turnover intention as a direct result of their hierarchical organizational structure. This research featured two survey instruments: the 6-item Turnover Intention Scale (TIS) and 25-item Expanded Multidimensional Turnover Intention Scale (EMTIS) to identify potential correlations in turnover intention across the …

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Pastoral Burnout: Applying Spiritual Gifts As A Buffer Against Burnout In Members Of The Clergy, Jeffrey S. Parsell Apr 2026

Pastoral Burnout: Applying Spiritual Gifts As A Buffer Against Burnout In Members Of The Clergy, Jeffrey S. Parsell

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, a dramatic decline in pastoral ministry satisfaction, physical well-being, psychological well-being, and spiritual well-being has been reported. Recent polls have discovered that nearly half of pastors have given serious consideration to leaving and abandoning their ministry due to the physiological, psychological, and spiritual toll their work takes on them and their families. Burnout has been cited as one of the primary factors contributing to this growing trend. Pastors are not alone in this epidemic, as many helping professions are experiencing similar trends. Despite sharing many similarities with helping occupations such as fulfilling the …

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The Perceived Influence Of Co-Curricular Support Systems On The Educational Leadership And Development Of High-School-Aged Children In Single-Parent Homes In South Florida: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study, Jonathan A. Biles Apr 2026

The Perceived Influence Of Co-Curricular Support Systems On The Educational Leadership And Development Of High-School-Aged Children In Single-Parent Homes In South Florida: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study, Jonathan A. Biles

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to describe the perceptions of co-curricular support systems regarding the educational leadership and development of high-school-aged children in single-parent homes in South Florida. Focusing on the Tri-County area of South Florida, the theory guiding this research is Erik Erikson’s eight stages of psychosocial development, which pertain to the adolescent stage of development. The central research question was: What is the perception of co-curricular activities' influence on the academic achievement of adolescent-aged students raised in single-parent homes? Using multiple data collection methods: questionnaires, personal interviews, and focus groups, the data gathered was used …

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Trauma Meets Trauma: A Phenomenological Study Exploring The Lived Experience Of Secondary Trauma As Told By Mental Health Professionals Working In The Substance Abuse Field Within The Washington D.C. Metropolitan Region, Paschaun S. Miller Apr 2026

Trauma Meets Trauma: A Phenomenological Study Exploring The Lived Experience Of Secondary Trauma As Told By Mental Health Professionals Working In The Substance Abuse Field Within The Washington D.C. Metropolitan Region, Paschaun S. Miller

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study is to describe mental health substance use professionals’ experiences with secondary trauma. This study aims to answer questions about how providers perceive their perceptions of secondary trauma based on their personal experiences and client caseload while exploring these providers’ willingness to remain in the field after trauma exposure. This study specifically concentrates on the experiences of mental health professionals working in the substance abuse field within the Washington, D.C. metropolitan region. The primary theory guiding this study is the constructivist self-development theory, which focuses on different responses (i.e., positive vs. negative) among individuals who …

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The Lived Experiences Of Community College Faculty Working With Students With Cross-Categorical Disabilities: A Phenomenological Study, Michelle Rosalie Amenta Apr 2026

The Lived Experiences Of Community College Faculty Working With Students With Cross-Categorical Disabilities: A Phenomenological Study, Michelle Rosalie Amenta

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to describe the preparedness towards disability for faculty members at community colleges. The theory guiding this study was Oliver’s social model of disability, as the theory explained the relationship between environmental, institutional, and attitudinal barriers and disabilities. The central research question was: What are the lived experiences of community college faculty who instruct students that self-disclose their cross-categorical disabilities? The research sample included thirteen faculty members from community colleges in varied disciplines across the United States. Data collection consisted of individual interviews and focus groups, with analysis using Moustakas’ modified Stevick-Colaizzi-Keen Method …

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Navigating The Thin Blue Line And Single Parenthood: An In-Depth Exploration Of Police Officers’ Experiences In Highlands County, Florida, Stress Reduction, And Work-Life Balance, Courtney Lashae Hamilton Toney Apr 2026

Navigating The Thin Blue Line And Single Parenthood: An In-Depth Exploration Of Police Officers’ Experiences In Highlands County, Florida, Stress Reduction, And Work-Life Balance, Courtney Lashae Hamilton Toney

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The present study examined how the demographic of single parent police officers reduced and coped with stress, whether coping mechanisms utilized were effective or not, changed overtime, and whether the coping mechanisms were influenced by personal factors and leadership within their departments. This study took place in Highlands County, Florida with a sample size of 13 participants. The participants responses were captured through in-depth semi-structured interviews within this qualitative descriptive study. Majority of participants described how their coping mechanisms changed over time to better their lives or the lives of their family. The changes were affected mostly by their children …

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Geopolitical Trade Dynamics: Assessing Global Supply Chain Risks Within International Business Environments, Thomas E. Carver Iii Apr 2026

Geopolitical Trade Dynamics: Assessing Global Supply Chain Risks Within International Business Environments, Thomas E. Carver Iii

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

With global economics and worldwide markets changing at a rapid pace the need to review how this effects global supply operations, risk management, and operational controls is a tactical and strategic component of organizational management. These types of international business arrangements require diversification to the supply chain networks, partnerships, and value chains in all businesses that are doing trade abroad. Geopolitics brings uncertainty to any supply chain organization and having awareness of policy, compliance, and technology strategy are key contributors during the study exploration. Having highly skilled human resource talent to support operational throughput is included in this study to …

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The Unseen Realities: A Phenomenological Study Examining How K-12 Female Administrators' Experience Stress While Leading In Rural North Carolina, Danielle A. Perkins Apr 2026

The Unseen Realities: A Phenomenological Study Examining How K-12 Female Administrators' Experience Stress While Leading In Rural North Carolina, Danielle A. Perkins

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study is to understand the lived experiences of K-12 female administrators in rural North Carolina public school districts. The theory guiding this study is the cognitive appraisal theory as it will explain the relationship between appraisal, work-related stress, coping, and the well-being of female K-12 administrators. The central research question for the research study is: How do K-12 female administrators describe their lived experiences with work-related stress in rural North Carolina public school districts? The study participants consist of 11 female K-12 administrators who are leading in rural public school districts in North Carolina. …

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Championing Success: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study On Higher Education Leadership’S Role In Supporting Women Of Color, Inez Annette Hayes Apr 2026

Championing Success: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study On Higher Education Leadership’S Role In Supporting Women Of Color, Inez Annette Hayes

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to explore and understand the role of higher education leadership in providing institutional support to women of color. The lived experiences of women of color as students was analyzed to understand the factors influencing their persistence at higher education institutions nationwide. The theory guiding this study was Rendón’s theory of validation as a process that encourages and supports students’ academic and personal growth, initiated by both in-class and out-of-class influences. This study focused on the Central Research Question: How do leadership practices and institutional supports in higher education influence the persistence of …

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A Phenomenological Research On The Understanding Of Morality At Birth From A Believer's Standpoint, Michelle I. Hubble Apr 2026

A Phenomenological Research On The Understanding Of Morality At Birth From A Believer's Standpoint, Michelle I. Hubble

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

At birth, is a person born evil, good, or neutral? This phenomenological study aims to explore the perspective of the morality of a child at birth for adult believers in the Missionary Church. At this stage in the research, the perspective of the morality of a child at birth will be generally defined as evil, good, or neutral. The theory guiding this study was research done by Harvard, which concluded that humanity's first instinct is not to act selfishly but to cooperate in their behavior with others (Tucker, 2013). This research proposed that this alternative perspective is invalid when Piaget’s …

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Correlating Communication Channels With Baptism Outcomes: A Quantitative Case Study Using Media Multiplexity Theory In The Texas Conference Of Seventh-Day Adventists, Kenrunne L. Dixon Apr 2026

Correlating Communication Channels With Baptism Outcomes: A Quantitative Case Study Using Media Multiplexity Theory In The Texas Conference Of Seventh-Day Adventists, Kenrunne L. Dixon

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative study was to examine the use of social media within the local church setting as a tool for engaging diverse communities through tailored, targeted messaging that addresses their unique needs and desires. The use of multiple channels helps connect on different levels, allowing for more profound and lasting relationships (Ledbetter, 2021). This quantitative research explored the local church and how it invests in connecting to its communities outside the church walls through multiple communication channels. Local church congregations invest significant time and resources in planning programs that seem only to attract current members. Their congregations …

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A Mixed-Methods Study Of The United Church Of Christ (Wnca-Soc) Retiring Senior Pastors’ Utilization Of Resources To Develop Effective Leadership Skills, Mark Scott Thomas Apr 2026

A Mixed-Methods Study Of The United Church Of Christ (Wnca-Soc) Retiring Senior Pastors’ Utilization Of Resources To Develop Effective Leadership Skills, Mark Scott Thomas

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this mixed-methods study was to explore the resources that retired senior pastors in the Western North Carolina Association of the Southern Conference of the United Church of Christ (WNCA-SOC UCC) used early in their careers to develop the leadership skills necessary to assume a senior pastoral role. Specifically, the study examined the strategies and tools these pastors employed for leadership development. Analysis of the data revealed four recurring themes. First, there was strong support for developing time management skills, which participants emphasized as essential for maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Second, the findings highlighted the importance of …

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Cross-Gender Teaching Dynamics In Single-Gender Schools: A Case Study On School Leaders’ Perspectives On Gendered Teaching Practices, Support, And School Culture, Kelsie R. Copeman Apr 2026

Cross-Gender Teaching Dynamics In Single-Gender Schools: A Case Study On School Leaders’ Perspectives On Gendered Teaching Practices, Support, And School Culture, Kelsie R. Copeman

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this comparative case study is to examine the gendered experiences of teachers through the perspective of school leaders at single-gender schools. The theory guiding this study is Tomlinson’s theory on differentiated instruction, as it explains how the recognition and response to student differences allows for effective teaching in order to optimize learning experiences. The central research question is: How do school leaders perceive and navigate cross-gender teaching dynamics in single-gender schools? This study uses semi-structured interviews, focus groups, and journal entries from school leaders. The sample consists of 10 school leaders with current experience in single-gender schools, …

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The Experiences Of The Free Application For Federal Student Aid In Parents Of First-Generation College Students: A Phenomenological Study, Travis Anthony Richard Apr 2026

The Experiences Of The Free Application For Federal Student Aid In Parents Of First-Generation College Students: A Phenomenological Study, Travis Anthony Richard

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to investigate the experiences of parents of first-generation college students in the Free Application for Federal Student Aid process. The theory guiding this study was the Cultural Capital Theory, initially conceptualized by Pierre Bourdieu, as it focused on how cultural capital was transmitted within families and how it reinforced class distinction. With the increasing emphasis on higher education as a pathway to socioeconomic mobility, understanding the barriers and facilitators faced by these parents was crucial. The central research question guiding this study is: "What are the lived experiences of parents of first-generation college …

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Utilizing A Small Group In Bible Studies To Bring About The Reconciliation Of All The Groups Of An Ethnic Community Church In Brooklyn, New York, Anthony Ukasoanya E Uwakwe Apr 2026

Utilizing A Small Group In Bible Studies To Bring About The Reconciliation Of All The Groups Of An Ethnic Community Church In Brooklyn, New York, Anthony Ukasoanya E Uwakwe

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Many local churches in America today have problems in their ministries. The problems may stem from the untimely action or inaction by the church leaders, including ordained pastors and laity. Other problems are simple misunderstandings, such as a congregant not being reimbursed for funds used for a church event. This thesis research project will present biblical teachings on reconciliation, provide a framework for resolving financial misunderstandings in the church, and foster unity among its groups. It is important to know God’s reasons for being reconciled in the fellowship of the church. The triangular methodology employed uses specific scripture passages that …

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Instructors' Lived Experiences Of Using Authentic Assessments In College Calculus Courses Across The United States: A Phenomenological Study, Christy Hart Kains Apr 2026

Instructors' Lived Experiences Of Using Authentic Assessments In College Calculus Courses Across The United States: A Phenomenological Study, Christy Hart Kains

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to describe the lived experiences of instructors with authentic assessments in college calculus courses across the United States. The theory guiding this study was Astin’s student involvement theory, which provided a framework to study the involvement of students in higher education. The central research question for this study was: What are the lived experiences of instructors who utilize authentic assessments in college calculus courses across the United States? This study used a qualitative design following the transcendental phenomenological approach of Moustakas. The sample included 12 instructors from two-year and four-year colleges in …

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Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Risk Perceptions And Patient Burden, John William Glisson Apr 2026

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Risk Perceptions And Patient Burden, John William Glisson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This quantitative, non-experimental, cross-sectional correlational study examined relationships among perceived environmental risk factors, depressive symptoms, and functional symptom burden in adults diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative condition with an unclear etiology, and some individuals attribute the diagnosis to environmental exposures such as pesticides or military service. The purpose of this study was to assess whether environmental risk perceptions were associated with depressive symptoms or functional impairment, and whether depressive symptoms were associated with functional status. Participants were recruited through online ALS support networks and advocacy organizations, resulting in a final sample of 145 adults …

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A Qualitative Study Of Expectancy Violations Theory On Instructor Feedback For Online Graduate Students Within United States Universities: How Student Perceptions Form When Their Expectations Are Violated, Josephine Hudson Apr 2026

A Qualitative Study Of Expectancy Violations Theory On Instructor Feedback For Online Graduate Students Within United States Universities: How Student Perceptions Form When Their Expectations Are Violated, Josephine Hudson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Distance education has become increasingly commonplace as technology and digital connections have become widespread in everyday life. Like traditional classrooms, feedback in online classrooms is a critical form of communication between professors and students to facilitate learning and foster relationships despite the lack of face-to-face communication that distance education imposes. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore how graduate and doctoral students’ experiences with expectancy violations influence their perceptions of feedback through the lens of Expectancy Violations Theory. Graduate and doctoral students who were or had been enrolled in at least two distance education courses participated in this …

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An Examination Of Cumulative Exposure To Potentially Traumatic Events And Identity Distress In Emerging Adults: The Influence Of Life Stressors, Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms, And Event Centrality, Kane Richard Vest Apr 2026

An Examination Of Cumulative Exposure To Potentially Traumatic Events And Identity Distress In Emerging Adults: The Influence Of Life Stressors, Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms, And Event Centrality, Kane Richard Vest

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Plentiful research has been conducted to examine the negative outcomes of exposure to potentially traumatic events (PTEs). Together, findings have indicated that certain exposures increase the risk of posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and adjustment problems in children, teens, and young adults. However, few studies have specifically focused on the influence of such experiences on the development of identity distress in emerging adults, and even fewer have examined such influence in the context of exposure to multiple potentially traumatic events. Exposure to natural hazards such as the COVID-19 pandemic and hurricanes is known to impact economic, social, and educational outcomes, but …

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Inmate Reentry: Success Through Faith - A Mixed-Methods Study On Inmate Conversions And Life After Release, Eric S. Campbell Apr 2026

Inmate Reentry: Success Through Faith - A Mixed-Methods Study On Inmate Conversions And Life After Release, Eric S. Campbell

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation-in-praxis (DiP) explored the circumstances surrounding the emotional responses and past traumatic experiences that led inmates to commit their lives to Jesus. The DiP also researched the high rate of recidivism amongst released inmates. The researcher partnered with Reach the Forgotten Jail Ministry (RTF), as well as local churches, in an effort to create a program that would work with inmates prior to and after release. The qualitative study established a paradigm highlighting the significance of comprehensive leadership training in a time of transition by drawing upon transformational leadership theory, adaptive leadership theory, as well as servant leadership theory. …

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Strategies To Address Employee Shortages In Allied Health, John O. Delozier Apr 2026

Strategies To Address Employee Shortages In Allied Health, John O. Delozier

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Continuing shortages of allied health (AH) workers have become a critical business challenge for health care organizations, driven by an aging population, rising service demand, and the lasting effects of the COVID 19 pandemic. AH leaders remain concerned about meeting essential staffing requirements, as persistent recruitment and retention difficulties threaten the delivery of high-quality health care. Grounded in Herzberg’s two-factor theory, the purpose of this qualitative pragmatic inquiry was to explore strategies successful health care leaders used to recruit and retain skilled AH employees. The participants were seven Maryland health care leaders with experience successfully implementing recruitment and retention strategies …

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Statement From The Indiana Academy Of The Social Sciences And Board Of Directors Apr 2026

Statement From The Indiana Academy Of The Social Sciences And Board Of Directors

Midwest Social Sciences Journal

No abstract provided.

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Editor-In-Chief's Note, Surekha Rao Apr 2026

Editor-In-Chief's Note, Surekha Rao

Midwest Social Sciences Journal

No abstract provided.

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Volume 28, Issue 2 Full Contents Apr 2026

Volume 28, Issue 2 Full Contents

Midwest Social Sciences Journal

No abstract provided.

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Mission And Editorial Policy Apr 2026

Mission And Editorial Policy

Midwest Social Sciences Journal

No abstract provided.

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Emotional Disclosure Dilemmas: How Personal And Relational Factors Predict Ambivalence Over Emotional Expression, Julie A. Tobin, Camilla S. Øverup, Qian Lu Apr 2026

Emotional Disclosure Dilemmas: How Personal And Relational Factors Predict Ambivalence Over Emotional Expression, Julie A. Tobin, Camilla S. Øverup, Qian Lu

Midwest Social Sciences Journal

Ambivalence over emotional expression (AEE) has been associated with various health and wellbeing outcomes, yet the relational factors that may be associated with AEE have been underexplored. The current study explored the associations between social support, conflict, gender, and AEE across a variety of different relationship types. Participants (N = 135) read scenarios describing situations where they imagined either expressing or suppressing different emotions (anger, pride, apprehension, appreciation) to five different people and then indicated the amount of regret (AEE) they anticipated over that expression decision. The results suggest that although social support was particularly related to emotional expression, …

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Art Battle: Perceptions Of Criminality In Rap Vs. Stand-Up Comedy, Abiodun A. Akinseye, Fabiana Alceste, Ashley N. Peters Apr 2026

Art Battle: Perceptions Of Criminality In Rap Vs. Stand-Up Comedy, Abiodun A. Akinseye, Fabiana Alceste, Ashley N. Peters

Midwest Social Sciences Journal

Applied research on perceptions of rap music shows that it is viewed more negatively than other musical genres, such as rock or country (e.g., Dunbar et al., 2016). This is in part due to associations between rap and Blackness, including stereotypes about Black people in general and about rappers specifically (e.g., Reyna et al., 2009). In the United States, prosecutors will sometimes present a rapper’s lyrics as a form of confessionary evidence in the courtroom (e.g., State of New Jersey v. Vonte Skinner, 2012). The practice of using art as criminal evidence appears to be unique to the musical genre …

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Rising Numbers, Rising Risks: Population, Growth, And Natural Disasters, Sophia Becker-Toro, Yu Ouyang Apr 2026

Rising Numbers, Rising Risks: Population, Growth, And Natural Disasters, Sophia Becker-Toro, Yu Ouyang

Midwest Social Sciences Journal

How does population size and growth affect the risk of natural disasters? On October 7, 2024, before Hurricane Milton makes landfall in the Tampa Bay area, Tampa Mayor Jane Castor issues a dire warning to affected citizens: “I can say without any dramatization whatsoever. If you choose to stay in one of those evacuation areas, you’re going to die.” While there is an extensive literature which focuses on the impact of climate change and/or natural disasters, there is a dearth of works on how population affects the risks of natural disasters. As both the frequency and severity of storms and …

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