Digital Commons Network^™

Telepsychiatry In The Management Of Chronic Mental Illness: A Quantitative Study, Jason Andrew Lam

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The use of emergency departments for chronic mental illness is a growing problem and contributes to overcrowding. Preventing psychiatric patients from using an ED for their chronic mental illness is a key part of reducing this problem. Telepsychiatry allows patients to access psychiatric care from wherever it is convenient to them with shorter wait times for appointments. This study compared emergency department use between in-person and telepsychiatry utilizers to determine if one group had fewer occurrences than the other. Through an anonymous online survey, data was collected and analyzed using quantitative analysis techniques. This study concluded that patients using telepsychiatry …

Gender In Translation: How The Contemporary Bible Is Challenging Androcentric Language In Translation Through Gender-Accurate And Feminist Hermeneutical Lenses, Matthew T. Gennard

Masters Theses

This Thesis surveys the changing practice of gender-accurate translation from the late nineteenth century to the present, with special consideration for the three key principles of gender-accurate translation: Generic ‘he,’ androcentric lexemes, and pronoun substitution. These focus areas are derived from an analysis of the five translation guidelines produced during the late twentieth-century gender-neutral controversy. The loss of individuality when introducing pronominal interchange or the masculine representative hermeneutical lens has left scholars divided on gender-accurate practices. This study surveys the sociohistorical development of the feminist hermeneutical lens and the changing linguistic trends of contemporary language, which challenge androcentric assumptions in …

Kid Power: Mastering Asthma Management To Keep Hospitals Away!, Kriste L. Moret

Master's Projects and Capstones

Problem: Pediatric asthma remains a leading cause of preventable hospitalizations, particularly in California’s Central Valley, where environmental and health disparities worsen symptoms. Many children are discharged without understanding their Asthma Action Plan (AAP) or feeling confident in symptom management.

Context: On a unit in a community hospital in this high-risk region, asthma-related admissions persisted. Gaps in discharge education highlighted the need for a structured intervention. The Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) Model for Improvement (MFI) guided this effort.

Intervention: A nurse-led, developmentally appropriate asthma education bundle was implemented. Teaching began on admission and was reinforced using teach-back, color-coded AAPs, culturally …

Best Practices To Prevent Nurse Burnout And Reduce Turnover In The Hospital, Bernice Marie Yale

Master's Projects and Capstones

Abstract

Problem Nursing is facing a crisis in workforce well-being, and trends indicate signs and symptoms of burnout. Increasing turnover rates, emotional exhaustion, staff depersonalization, and team disengagement have resulted in a perceived toxic environment in a hospital-based microsystem.

Context A 4-month project was initiated to improve morale and communication. Several assessment tools were utilized to foster a high-performing team and reinforce principles of Watson’s theory of caring.

Interventions Optimization of required daily leader rounds to encourage patient participation, and monthly 1:1 “direct report” rounds (n=65) were conducted to assess well-being, workplace stressors, and promote job satisfaction.

Measures To improve …

An In-Depth Exploration Into College Students’ Information Acquisition And Evaluation Behaviors During The Covid-19 Infodemic, Nien-Tsu Nancy Chen, Kimmy Kee, Bianca T. Villalobos, Miriam Ortiz, Hyesun Lee

Psychological Science Faculty Publications

Introduction: This study examines how vaccination-inclined and vaccination-hesitant U.S. college students acquired and evaluated COVID-19 vaccination information.

Methods: In 2021, we conducted 26 focus group discussions and used thematic analysis to identify patterns in information acquisition behaviors and trust in information sources.

Results: Findings revealed mismatches between frequently used and most trusted sources. Public health agencies were highly trusted but not commonly consulted first. In contrast, social media were frequently used for information scanning despite being the least trusted. Interpersonal sources (e.g., family) were identified as both a most and least trusted source. They were trusted for their good intention …

Evaluation Of Diet Quality, Physical Health, And Mental Health Baseline Data From A Wellness Intervention For Individuals Living In Transitional Housing, Callie Millward, Kyle Lyman, Soonwye Lucero, James D. Lecheminant, Cindy Jenkins, Kristi Strongo, Gregory Snow, Heidi Leblanc, Lea Palmer, Rickelle Richards

All Current Publications

Background/Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate baseline health measurements among transitional housing residents (n = 29) participating in an 8-week pilot wellness intervention. Methods: Researchers measured anthropometrics, body composition, muscular strength, cardiovascular indicators, physical activity, diet quality, and health-related perceptions. Researchers analyzed data using descriptive statistics and conventional content analysis. Results: Most participants were male, White, and food insecure. Mean BMI (31.8 ± 8.6 kg/m2 ), waist-to-hip ratio (1.0 ± 0.1 males, 0.9 ± 0.1 females), body fat percentage (25.8 ± 6.1% males, 40.5 ± 9.4% females), blood pressure (131.8 ± 17.9/85.2 ± 13.3 mmHg), and …

Motivational Factors Affecting Female Students' Choice Of Stem And Non-Stem Majors At Us Universities, Buthaina Ruyyashi

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The problem addressed in this study is the persistently low enrollment of female undergraduate students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) majors within U.S. universities. The purpose of this quantitative study was to examine the relationship between female undergraduate students' choice of STEM versus non-STEM majors and their motivational factors, as measured by the Motivations Influencing Course Choice (MICC) survey. The study was grounded in social cognitive career theory, which emphasizes the role of self-efficacy, outcome expectations, and personal goals in academic decision-making. The analysis assessed the predictive power of career aspiration, interest, helping, and loafing in determining major …

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 …

Staff Education To Address Medication Noncompliance In Outpatient Behavioral Health Settings, Elmase Nicolas Toussaint

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This quality improvement project is a staff education initiative designed to address psychotropic medication noncompliance in an outpatient behavioral health clinic setting. The project arose from the identification of a significant gap in staff knowledge and confidence related to medication adherence strategies. Medication noncompliance in psychiatric care is associated with symptom exacerbation, increased hospitalization, and poorer patient outcomes, making it a critical issue in nursing practice. The practice-focused question guiding the project was: In an outpatient behavioral health clinic setting, does implementing a structured staff education program improve staff knowledge and confidence in addressing medication noncompliance? Analytical strategies included a …

Prisoner Re-Entry Into Society And Criminal Justice Social Work Practice, Aleeyah S. Norvell

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This study explores the challenges faced by social workers in supporting the successful reintegration of formerly incarcerated individuals. Social workers play a critical role in the U.S. criminal justice system, yet they often encounter systemic barriers that limit their ability to meet clients’ basic needs, such as housing, employment, and healthcare. Using a generic qualitative research design, the study was conducted using semi-structured interviews with a sample of eight licensed social workers, using open-ended questions to gather rich, detailed accounts of their experiences. Guided by social learning theory and using thematic analysis, the findings reveal significant obstacles in adapting to …

The Association Between Unemployment, Income, Education, Healthcare Access, Mental Health And High-Risk Hiv Behavior In The United States, Tia Smith

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

High-risk HIV behavior remains a critical public health concern in the United States, particularly among socioeconomically and psychologically vulnerable populations. Despite extensive prevention efforts, a gap persists in understanding how structural and mental health factors jointly contribute to HIV risk. This study addresses that gap by examining the association between socioeconomic status (SES), including income, education, employment, and healthcare access, and mental health status (diagnosis of depression and days of poor mental health) on high-risk HIV behavior at the individual level. Guided by the social determinants of health (SDOH) theoretical framework, the study utilized secondary data for over 40,000 adults …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Applying The Practical, Robust, Implementation And Sustainability Model (Prism) To A Community-Based Youth Participatory Action Research Program, Nicholas Szoko, Tyia K Wilson, Ebonie Slade, Ti'yanna Risher, Marquise Wheeler, Elizabeth Miller, Alison J Culyba

2020-Current year OA Pubs

BACKGROUND: Youth participatory action research (YPAR) represents an empowerment-based process in which youth identify and address issues in their schools and communities. YPAR has been applied in diverse settings, but evaluations of YPAR implementations using an implementation and dissemination science (IDS) framework are limited. Our goal was to use the Practical, Robust, Implementation & Sustainability Model (PRISM) to evaluate a multisite community-based YPAR program.

METHODS: We identified three community sites to implement Youth Leadership in Action (YLIA+), an eight session YPAR intervention. Any youth aged 13 and older was eligible to participate. Guided by PRISM, we collected data using: (1) …

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 …

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 …

Correctional Officers’ Perceptions Of Personal Safety Equipment Effectiveness, Tiffany Haigler-Sion

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The United States has the largest correctional system and the highest incarceration rate in the world. Within this system, correctional officers (COs) serve as the primary point of contact with inmates. Existing literature suggests that the nature of inmates’ offenses often influences COs’ perceptions. Moreover, safety equipment plays a critical role in maintaining security within prison environments. Understanding COs’ experiences and perceptions regarding their safety equipment is therefore essential. The research problem is that little is known about COs’ lived experiences with and perceptions of the safety equipment they carry to keep safe from inmate severe assault. The purpose of …

The Experiences Of Physical Therapists Trained In Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization For Self-Care, Edward Bezkor

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Physical therapists and physical therapy students are susceptible to overuse and postural-related injuries related to computer work, lifting, and transferring patients. An effective technique for musculoskeletal dysfunction is instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) self-care. The purpose of this phenomenological qualitative study was to better understand the lived experiences of physical therapists and physical therapy students who are trained in IASTM self-care. The theoretical foundation for this study was the health belief model (HBM), which proposes that one’s beliefs strongly influence behavior change. In alignment with HBM, research questions related to the participants’ beliefs regarding the perceived threat of not …

The Lived Experiences Of African American First-Generation Higher Education Students In The Artificial Intelligence Chatbot College Admissions Process: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study, Felecia M. Williams

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to describe the lived experiences of African American first-generation higher education students as they navigate the AI chatbot college admissions process at universities throughout the United States. The theory guiding this transcendental phenomenological study is Rawl’s theory of social justice, as it explained the equal distribution of social values such as wealth, income, opportunity, and liberty. Van Manen's thematic analysis is used to explore the lived experiences and perspectives of the participants. The central research question for this study was, “What are the lived experiences of African American first-generation students who use …

Exploring The Decision-Making And Implementation Process Of Culturally Responsive Leadership Practices In Predominantly Native American Schools: A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study, Christine Fitzgerald

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to understand the decision-making processes of principals when implementing culturally responsive leadership practices in schools with predominantly Native American populations. Guided by Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory, this study frames the influences on decision-making behaviors through a social systems framework. A decolonizing framework for Indigenous evaluation was employed, recognizing Indigenous ways of knowledge creation and understanding. This qualitative study answers the central research question: What are the decision-making experiences of K-12 principals when implementing culturally responsive leadership practices in schools with high Native American populations? Purposeful criterion sampling was used to select eight …

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 …

The Influence Of School Closing Mandates On Student Performance During The Covid-19 Pandemic: A Case Study, Cody Ryan Ratliff

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this embedded single case study was to describe the lack of student needs support during the COVID-19 pandemic for parents of middle school students at a county board of education in West Virginia. (Chiwona et al., 2020; Devereux et al., 2020; Dunn et al., 2020). The theory guiding this study was Abraham Maslow’s (1943) theory on the hierarchy of needs, which demonstrated an impact on student performance. This qualitative single-case study utilized an embedded approach. The central research question this study aimed to answer was to describe how a lack of necessary resources affected students during the …

Use Of Single Bout Exercise On Symptoms Of Burnout In Secondary Teachers, Robert A. Campos

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Increased levels of stress, anxiety, and burnout among educators within the United States educational system have contributed to elevated attrition rates and diminished student outcomes. This study investigates the effects of single-bout exercise sessions on reducing of burnout, specifically emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and lack of personal achievement among secondary public-school teachers. Using the Maslach Burnout Inventory – Educators Survey (MBI-ES), this correlational study used a repeated-measures design in which 36 secondary teachers participated in a control (no exercise), aerobic exercise, and anaerobic exercise sessions. Pre- and post-exercise session scores were analyzed to evaluate the immediate effects on burnout elements. Findings …

Growth Mindset Moving From Poverty To Success: A Phenomenological Study Examining The Lived Experiences Of Adults Raised In Poverty, Hermalinda Brown Bolton

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to understand the lived experiences of overcoming the stigma associated with childhood poverty to become academically successful for adults in the Southwest region of the United States. This study attempted to answer the question: What are the lived experiences of academically successful adults who have overcome the stigma of childhood poverty in the Southwest region of the United States? The participants were recruited through a social media platform, and 10 individuals participated in the research. The theory guiding this study was Carol Dweck's growth mindset theory. The growth mindset theory explains how …

A Qualitative Study On Retention And Engagement At A Private Historically Black College And University Among First-Year African American Students From Rural Communities, Miquelle Latoine Fields

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to understand how the intersection of rural culture and race influences the lived experiences of first-year African American students at a private Historically Black College and University (HBCU). Moustakas's theory on phenomenological research methods, based on Husserl's transcendental phenomenology framework, guided the study. The research focused on how cultural context intersects with the lived experiences of first-year African American students from rural areas. It examined how this diversity affects their retention and engagement at a private HBCU. The central research question was: How do the lived experiences of first-year African American college students …

Sexual And Relationship Satisfaction Among Monogamous Heterosexual Married Female Survivors Of Primary Caregiver Childhood Sexual Abuse, Andrea K. Diaz

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Childhood sexual abuse can have devastating lifelong impacts for children who were abused by a primary caregiver. Research shows links to a gamut of adverse risks including physical health problems, intimate partner violence and revictimization, mental health concerns, interrupted life roles, interpersonal relationship attachment, sexuality, communication, and social support issues. Many studies are limited in delineating sexual orientation and relationship status. Despite significant research related to childhood sexual abuse, a gap in the literature exists. The presented qualitative phenomenological study sought to understand sexual and relationship satisfaction among monogamous heterosexual female survivors of primary caregiver childhood sexual abuse within the …

Emotional Intelligence Of Educators And School Climate Ratings In Title I K–8 Schools In The Southeast United States, Kristen A. Hunt

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study is to understand the impact emotional intelligence of teachers and administrators has on school climate for students in a Title I K–8th grade schools in the southeast region of the United States and to determine if years of teaching experience moderates this relationship. The theories guiding this study are Bandura’s social cognitive theory and Solovey and Meyer’s theory of emotional intelligence. Bandura’s social cognitive theory explains the relationship between people, their behavior, and the environment. The theory of emotional intelligence by Solovey and Meyer relates to social intelligence by being of the belief that emotional …

Novice Middle School Music Teachers’ Perspectives On Preservice Preparation In Title I Schools: A Case Study, Christopher M. Burns

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Although considerable research addresses the unique needs of middle school learners and teaching music in low-income schools, there are insufficient studies that provide insight and strategies for teaching music in high-needs settings. Likewise, music teacher preparation programs leave gaps in preparation for prospective music educators, unaware of the challenges of teaching middle school music in a high-needs community. Novice music educators experience challenges that are often unaddressed in undergraduate programs. Experienced music educators with advanced degrees can also feel underprepared to teach in low-income schools. Music educator programs lack content that helps prospective music educators become change agents who can …

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 …