Digital Commons Network^™

Veteran Reintegration: A Strategic Approach To Success, Stephanie Irene Hennessy

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

A critical gap exists in non-clinical support programs for military service members transitioning to civilian life, especially in addressing purpose, personal narrative, and community reintegration. This study examined how a reintegration program addressed this gap through a unified conceptual framework—Purpose, Narrative, and Community (PNC)—which guided program design and delivery. The program was delivered through the Surf Brigade Foundation, a veteran initiative specializing in surf immersion located on Florida’s Emerald Coast. Using a quantitative pretest-posttest case study design, this research evaluated changes in well-being, purpose identification, and social connectedness among participants. Outcomes were measured using the Integration of Stressful Life Experiences …

Law Enforcement Training Academies' Effect On Agency Community Policing, Christopher Rhoades

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study was to determine if a relationship exists between Community Policing (CP) training in Law Enforcement Training Academies (LETAs) and CP implementation in Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) in the United States. This exploratory quantitative study used a correlation design to analyze secondary data from 2018 Census of Law Enforcement Training Academies and the 2020 Law Enforcement Management and Administrative Statistics survey obtained through the Inter-university Consortium for Political and Social Research. The analysis included data from 615 LETAs and 2,704 LEAs. CP training was operationalized using total required hours of community partnership building and problem‑solving approaches. …

The Impact Of Modern Police Equipment And Training On Reported Anxiety And Depression Of Police Officers, Matthew Roy Burford

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This quantitative study investigated the relationships among law enforcement officers’ access to modern equipment, their confidence in their training, and their reported levels of anxiety and depression. The study also tested whether confidence in training moderated the association between equipment and mental health outcomes. Mental health symptoms were measured using the Beck Depression Inventory (Beck et al., 1961) and the Beck Anxiety Inventory (Beck et al., 1988). Two researchers-developed instruments to assess officers’ perceived adequacy of their equipment and confidence in their training. Participants were recruited from law enforcement agencies across the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex, and data were collected through …

An Analysis Of Human Trafficking In Alabama, Kimberly Abrams

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this analysis is to gain a thorough understanding of human trafficking in the Alabama. The illegal issue of this analysis is for those who lack a sense of human trafficking, which surrounds the communities where they reside. The theory guiding this study is due to the complexity of the issue globally around the world as it explains the causes of human trafficking amongst victims, which include those who experience poverty, lack of access to job opportunities, natural disasters, and lack of legal protection for immigrants. Additionally, the purpose of this dissertation is to provide insights into the …

Values And The Black-White Mental Health Paradox, Tiffany Soignoli

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This quantitative cross-sectional study explored the Black-White mental health paradox (BWMHP), which proposes that Black individuals have better or similar mental health than White individuals despite additional stressors, but the etiology of these differences has not been found. While self-esteem has been consistently found to differentiate Black and White adults in relation to the BWMHP, values have not been investigated. Therefore, using a total sample of 191 Black and 191 White American adults (N = 382), values were examined to determine whether they contribute to the differences in depression, stress, and anxiety, leading to better mental health. Chi-square tests of …

How Are Depression And Anxiety In Biracial Black–White Adults Related To Monoracial Familial Connectedness Throughout Life?, Cary M. Steffey

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The multiracial population is the fastest-growing minority group in the United States, yet their mental health and familial experiences are insufficiently studied. Due to their complex racial backgrounds, unique life experiences, and diverse social connections, multiracial individuals endure mental health issues that differ from those of many other populations, including their family relationships. Some of these differences include how these relationships affect life experiences and mental health status. This quantitative study examined psychological well-being among multiracial individuals, with a focus on relationships with monoracial family members. This study hypothesized that greater familial support predicts improved mental health outcomes. The study …

From Seed To Vine Intergenerational Discipleship Model For San Antonio Heights Community Church, Alyssa Smedley

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This project addressed the lack of an intentional intergenerational discipleship model at San Antonio Heights Community Church through the development of the From Seed to Vine ministry initiative. The project focused on cultivating a sustainable disciple-making culture rooted in relational discipleship, spiritual formation, and intentional mentorship across generations. Four micro-projects were implemented to support this vision: the Ministry Development Plan (MDP), Blogging, Advertisement of Ministry Launch, and Podcasting.

Each micro-project contributed to building awareness, fostering relational connection, and creating practical pathways for participation in the Disciple-Maker Team Training (DMTT). The findings revealed that relational trust, intentional communication, and Spirit-led engagement …

The Impact Of Workplace Wellness Programs On Workers’ Compensation Claims And Absenteeism: A Quantitative Study In Public Administration, Stephen Michael Douglas Coy

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Employee absenteeism is detrimental to organizational effectiveness and efficiency. Workers’ compensation claims are a potential liability to government organizations, as claims filed by employees for work-related injuries or illnesses may impact insurance premiums based on the number and severity of claims filed. Identifying and implementing solutions to mitigate the effects of absenteeism and workers’ compensation claims are critical to organizational sustainability. This quantitative study seeks to determine if workplace health and wellness programs decrease absenteeism and reduce workers’ compensation claims levels among public sector employees. Post-positivism and functionalism provide this study with a theoretical underpinning. The variables of interest were …

Trading Podiums: Transitioning From Teaching Secondary Band To Teaching Secondary Orchestra In Eastern South Carolina, Troy M. Murray

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative, explanatory case study examined the musical attributes band teachers need to successfully teach string orchestra students in eastern South Carolina. This information is critical due to the high number of orchestra teachers who are non-string instrumentalists in that region of the state. Of the 28 orchestra teachers in South Carolina’s Region 5 orchestra division, 14 of the teachers performed primarily as wind or percussion instrumentalists. This study sought to understand the challenges teachers face when transitioning from teaching secondary band to secondary string orchestra in eastern South Carolina. Despite the parallels in music reading and repertoire selection between …

Exploring The Effectiveness Of Juvenile Justice Rehabilitation Programs In The State Of Virginia, Edishae L. Harris-Tyler

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Juvenile delinquency and criminal offending have become significant problems in society today. Many offenders in the criminal justice system were exposed to violence and criminal activity at a young age. Early harmful exposure has influenced many at-risk youths in the community to commit crimes at a young age and develop into adult offenders. Juveniles in the community considered at-risk may be disadvantaged due to negative peer pressure, poverty, lack of parental involvement, illiteracy, and lack of opportunities for positive change and development. At-risk youth severely need structure, prosocial support, positive mentorship, and direction to prevent criminal activity and reduce recidivism. …

The Interplay Between Deficit Spending And Financial Instability: An Examination Of Fiscal And Monetary Policy Interactions, Heidie Jean George

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study investigates the impact of fiscal and monetary policy on financial stability and fragility, focusing on how government spending and deficits contribute to the economic and financial system. Drawing on Minsky’s Financial Instability Hypothesis (FIH) and Financial Fragility Hypothesis (FFH), the research examines the dynamic relationship between fiscal policy, financial stability, and economic stability. The study focuses on understanding how government spending and deficits affect the economic and financial system in context of private and public debt and policy interactions and the role of system risk factors. The study uses Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Vector Autoregression (VAR), Impulse Response …

The Missing Baby: Investigating The Effects On Psychological Distress, Marital Couple Quality, The Timing Of Bereavement Care And Grief Adaptation Among Fathers Following Perinatal Loss., Sharon L. Green

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Extensive research on maternal perinatal loss has been conducted for decades. In contrast, there is much less research on bereaved fathers following perinatal loss, specifically, studies that examine bereaved fathers’ psychological distress, time it takes for the health care provider to deliver bereavement care, and the impact it has on grief adjustment. The purpose of this study was to investigate bereaved fathers’ psychological distress, length of time to receive bereavement care, and marital couple quality and their impact on perinatal grief adaptation. The study design was quantitative, nonexperimental, descriptive, and correlational. Study participants were 200 bereaved fathers who were administered …

The Relationship Between Estimated Vo2max And Poor Mental Health: A Study Of Brfss Data, Angelina Somadina Oputa

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Mental health conditions are one of the leading contributors to the global burden of disease. Despite advancements in mental health therapies and psychiatric medications, significant numbers of patients continue to struggle with mental illness. Despite these challenges, exercise can serve as a powerful tool to address mental health concerns. Current literature has referenced the value of physical fitness to support mental health, however there is limited large-scale research assessing the estimated maximal oxygen uptake (VO2Max) as a predictor of poor mental health days. In response, this quantitative secondary analysis was conducted to examine the relationship between estimated VO2Max and poor …

School Resource Officers, Mental Health Professionals, School Safety: A Qualitative Descriptive Case Study, Carol Burke

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative descriptive case study described the perceptions of school-based mental health (SBMH) professionals and school resource officers (SROs) regarding personal and campus safety in the presence of an SRO. Guided by routine activity theory (Cohen & Felson, 1979), which framed SROs as capable guardians within schools, and relational cultural theory (Miller, 1976), which emphasized connection and collaboration, the study examined how relational dynamics influenced safety perceptions and well-being. Participants from K–12 public schools in North Central Arkansas contributed data through semi-structured interviews, focus groups, and the Georgia School Personnel Survey of School Climate. Reflexive thematic analysis identified key themes …

Bridging The Holler: A Case Study Of One Rural Appalachian Music Educator’S Engagement With Grants And Organizations, Kayla Renee Davis

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative case study examines how partnerships with music organizations can support a rural music educator in a West Virginia county. The teacher’s needs were identified through an initial survey, interviews, and follow-up conversations, revealing four primary challenges: limited access to instruments and materials, barriers to recruitment and retention, isolation and constraints associated with itinerant teaching, and a need for culturally relevant curricular resources. Based on these findings, the researcher connected the teacher with organizations whose missions aligned with these areas: the West Virginia Music Educators Association for professional development and project grants; Be Part of the Music for recruitment …

Caregiver Depression And Psychological Distress As Predictors Of Substantiated Maltreatment In Nscaw Ii (Wave 2 Cps Sample): A Quantitative Archival Study, Gloria Forotan

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This quantitative archival analysis examined whether caregiver mental health is associated with child maltreatment outcomes through CPS involvement, using the National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Being II (NSCAW II), Wave 2. Child maltreatment remains a persistent public health concern with long-term effects on children's emotional, psychological, and physical development. Although caregiver mental health is consistently identified as a significant risk factor for maltreatment, few studies have utilized nationally representative child welfare data with standardized measures to test these associations.

Caregiver mental health variables were operationalized using NSCAW II indicators of major depression and depressive symptoms (DP2), psychological distress (K6 …

Effectiveness And The Music Teacher: A Correlational Study Of Emotional Intelligence In Secondary Music Instruction, Rachel Gonzales

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This quantitative correlational study examined the relationship between emotional intelligence and teacher effectiveness among secondary music educators in Texas. Emotional intelligence was measured using the Emotional Intelligence Assessment for Secondary Music Educators (EIASME), a researcher-developed instrument comprised of the four domains of emotional intelligence: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management. Teacher effectiveness was assessed using the Texas Teacher Evaluation and Support System (T TESS) and the University Interscholastic League Concert and Sightreading (UIL C/SR) assessments. Data were collected via a digital Qualtrics survey completed by seventy-five qualifying respondents representing secondary directors in band, choir, and orchestra. Descriptive statistics and …

The Impact A Lack Of Racial/Ethnic Diversity Has On Spiritual Formation And The Key Actions Necessary For Resolution, Kimberly Janelle Baker

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The problem this research addresses is that New Community Church, a local church ministry, lacks a racially/ethnically rich and diverse spiritual formation experience. A lack of racial/ethnic diversity within churches nationwide is a pervasive issue. While some churches are not more diverse due to location, there are many, including the specific church chosen to be included as part of the problem statement, that are located in diverse communities but still do not adequately reflect the racial/ethnic make-up of their respective communities.

Martin Luther King Jr., once said that “It is appalling that the most segregated hour of Christian America is …

Infertility In The Military: A Lived Experience, Princess Gibbs

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Infertility can have negative effects on women; military women deal with so much from the military that dealing with infertility is an area that is underdeveloped. This qualitative phenomenological study explored infertility among women serving on active duty, using Lazarus' transactional theory of stress and coping to understand how it affects them. This study was guided by three research questions: (a) What are the lived experiences of women living with infertility who served on active duty in the United States military, (b) How do women living with infertility describe their experience of stress and coping while serving in active duty …

Toward Defining Vulnerability For The Field Of Communication, Adrian Osman

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Vulnerability, a common human experience, is still not well-theorized within the field of communication and lacks a clear, discipline-specific definition. This qualitative study examined how vulnerability shapes interpersonal communication, using general systems theory and social exchange theory as guiding frameworks. Through in-depth interviews with individuals who identify obesity as a lived vulnerability, five central themes emerged: awareness and acceptance of vulnerability, experiencing weight-based dismissal in healthcare, weight-related communication in familial and everyday interactions, avoidance and situational disengagement, and support systems – what works and what does not. Findings show that vulnerability acts as a dynamic communicative force, shaping engagement, withdrawal, …

The Effects Of Exercise-Related Interventions On The Treatment Of Mental Health, Physical Wellness, And Quality Of Life: A Quantitative Study, Leah Elizabeth Starr

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This research study includes the overview, literature review, methodology, findings, and discussion of a six-week study pending defense. The purpose of the study is to further support Pilates as an evidence-based treatment to enhance physical and mental wellness and improve quality of life. This includes specific variables of interest such as anxiety, depression, dissociative and posttraumatic stress symptoms, stress, and improvements in overall quality of life and physical health. The theoretical framework for the study is somatic psychology and polyvagal theory. The importance of this study is to validate the use of Pilates as an effective form of treatment for …

The Effect Of Structured Prebriefing On Pre-Simulation Anxiety In Baccalaureate Nursing Students Participating In High-Fidelity Simulation: A Quantitative Quasi-Experimental Nonequivalent Pretest-Posttest Control Group Study, Laura D. Wade

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative quasi-experimental nonequivalent pretest-posttest control group study was to examine the effect of structured prebriefing on pre-simulation state anxiety among baccalaureate nursing students participating in high-fidelity simulation (HFS) at a private faith-based university in the South-Central United States (U.S.). Simulation is widely used in nursing education; however, nursing students frequently experience elevated anxiety prior to simulation that may negatively influence learning and performance. Despite recognition of prebriefing as best practice in simulation-based education, limited quantitative research has examined the effect of structured prebriefing on pre-simulation anxiety. A convenience sample of 73 baccalaureate nursing students enrolled in …

Lived Experiences In South Carolina Released Time Education: A Phenomenological Study Of Middle School Student Perceptions, Jacqueline L. Mack

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This phenomenological study investigated how middle school students perceive the influence of Christian Released Time Education (CRTE) on their spiritual development. Through in-depth interviews and survey questionnaires with thirteen middle school participants in South Carolina, the research explored their lived experiences relative to embracing the Gospel of Jesus Christ, growing in Christian faith, and applying biblical principles to everyday life. Analysis of the data revealed four major themes: Spiritual Growth/Maturity, Sound Doctrine, Moral Integrity, and Personal Transformation. Each theme manifested through distinct subthemes that demonstrated the multidimensional impact of CRTE on participants’ spiritual development. The findings challenge prevailing assumptions about …

Crisis Of Command: Shaef, Strategy, And The War In Northwest Europe, Fall 1944, Josh Glover

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation examines the strategic debates among the Supreme Allied Commander, U.S. General Dwight D. Eisenhower, and his subordinate commanders, British Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery and U.S. Generals Omar Bradley and George Patton, in the fall of 1944. Most historians have focused specifically on the military campaigns throughout the fall of 1944, the commanders who executed them, and the missed opportunities and failures that occurred. The question left unanswered is why the Allies missed the opportunity to end the war in 1944. To answer this, I analyzed the numerous strategic debates among these four commanders and many others that took …

The Role Of Resilient/Protective Factors In Adolescence As A Buffer Among Adults With A History Of Childhood Trauma And Symptoms Of Depression In Adults, Michaela L. Fox

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Childhood trauma includes adverse experiences during early development, such as physical, emotional, sexual, or verbal abuse and neglect, and is associated with negative outcomes, including depressive symptoms in adulthood. This study examined whether protective factors during adolescence are related to adult depressive symptoms among individuals with a history of childhood trauma. Two research questions guided the study: (a) Is there a difference in adult depressive symptoms between individuals with minimal versus significant protective factors during adolescence, and (b) Is there a statistically significant relationship between adolescent spirituality and adult depressive symptoms? A quantitative, correlational design was used with self-report surveys …

A Phenomenological Study Of Early Educator Experiences Regarding The Educational And Developmental Benefits Of Play-Based Learning For Children Identified With Special Needs In Inclusive Early Education Classrooms, Karen Renée Gallagher

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study is to understand what are the lived experiences of early childhood educators with providing play-based learning experiences in inclusive classrooms. The theory guiding this study is Jean Piaget’s Cognitive Development theory. This phenomenological study focused on understanding the perceptions and experiences of early childhood educators in regard to how play-based learning supports school readiness within early care and education environments. The focus of the study included educators who care for and teach children between the ages of birth to five years old within inclusive, state licensed early childhood learning environments located in the …

Violent Tides: A Novel, Teal Rose

Masters Theses

Violent Tides is a coming-of age fantasy novel that invites readers to navigate themes of identity, forgiveness, and compassion

A Practice Of Singing Psalms: The Impact On People’S Understanding Of God, Understanding Of Themselves, And Their Worldview, Jan Frederik Ezinga

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Singing influences people. Song lyrics influence people’s views and behavior, both positively and negatively. Researchers indicate that influence through songs may occur subconsciously. Because songs can move people, activists and governments use songs, or the prohibition of songs, to influence the population. This is relevant for church leaders and Christian school teachers because Christian songs communicate doctrine. Within a Christian setting, songs influence people’s faith. However, when Christians sing God’s Word, the songs affect people exponentially because God’s Word does not return to him empty (Is. 55:11). God commanded the church to sing psalms (Col. 3:16). Singing God’s Word from …

Indirect Spectrophotometric Determination Of Methyldopa Using Aunps-Cr(Vi), Anfal A. Mohammed, Zeena Z. Al Abdali

Baghdad Science Journal

A simple, sensitive, and rapid spectrophotometric method was suggested for the indirect determination of methyldopa. The method depends on the chemical reaction between citrate-stabilized gold nanoparticles and chromium (III) ions, which form during methyldopa oxidation through potassium dichromate. The process results in nanoparticle aggregation, while the solution transitions from red to blue-grey, and the plasmon band moves from 528 nm to 640 nm. The absorption rate increased linearly within the concentration range of 60-140 ng/ml, while the detection limit reached 27 ng/mL. The proposed method showed excellent accuracy and precision because the mean recovery value reached 100.16%, and the relative …

Sexual Dimorphism, Reproductive Biology, And Growth Patterns Of Sumatran Combtail (Belontia Hasselti, Cuvier 1831) From The Kelekar River, South Sumatra, Indonesia, Muslim Muslim, Edo Saputra, Selly Oktarina, Muhammad Rizky Ariansyah Putra

Baghdad Science Journal

Sexual dimorphism, reproductive biology, and growth patterns are fundamental knowledge in fisheries studies. This study aimed to analyze the sexual dimorphism, reproductive biology, and growth patterns of Belontia hasselti. Samples were collected in the Kelekar River, South Sumatra, Indonesia. Traditional fishing gear, specifically fish traps (``bubu'' and ``pengilar''), was used to catch fish samples. The samples were transported to the Basic Fisheries Laboratory of the Universitas Sriwijaya for collecting study parameters. A total of 100 B. hasselti were used in this study: 56 males (TL: 8.00-13.24 cm, BW: 9.50-37.49 g) and 44 females (TL: 8.00-13.99 cm, BW: 9.00-38.99 g). …