Digital Commons Network^™

A Mandate For Healing: A World War Ii Vet Meets A Vietnam Vet In The Screenplay, Chinook With An Essay On War Screenplay Research, Buz Ecker

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

Chinook is an original screenplay about a Vietnam vet with PTSD who meets a World War II vet in a VA Home, and the screenplay takes one afternoon to unfold. This dissertation explains how Chinook came to be, with all of the processes undertaken. It begins with an introduction about the characters in the screenplay and who these characters are based on. There are several books, movies, and articles contained in this section to make the characters, events, and flashbacks of what actually happened in World War II and Vietnam. The best resources were conversations with actual veterans from either …

Innovating Chaplaincy Education: Integrating Nonreligious Spiritual Care Interventions To Serve A Diverse Patient Population, Dianne Dragon

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

The transformation to the curriculum taught in chaplain training in Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) will now address the spiritual needs of a more diverse, nonreligious, and interfaith population in the United States. Historically rooted in religious frameworks, CPE curricula are evolving to incorporate non-religious spiritual care interventions and promote research literacy among chaplains. This dissertation study uses descriptive analysis to present a study surveying CPE educators across over 300 U.S. based CPE centers to explore teaching practices and adaptation strategies. Findings reveal that integrating evidence-based methods and interdisciplinary collaboration is key to addressing inclusivity and professional competency in chaplaincy. By …

Embracing The Both/And: Learning From The Lived Experiences Of White Facilitators Of Racial Equity Workshops, Alicia M. Wargo

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

This study focuses on the lived experiences of seasoned White facilitators of racial equity workshops to understand how they navigate the complexity of occupying a White racial identity while working to challenge the belief systems of white supremacy ingrained in themselves and others. Through applying Critical Race Theory as a framework to grounded theory methodology, this study examined whiteness as a sensitizing concept in micro, meso, and macro levels of analysis, situating this dissertation in the theoretical exploration of the multifaceted and pervasive nature of whiteness. Much of the research on racial equity work examines White participants in nascent stages …

A Phenomenological Study Of The Lived Experience Of Gay White Men In Mid-Level Student Affairs Leadership Roles, S. Craig Mourton

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

The purpose of this dissertation was to investigate the lived experience of mid-level student affairs leaders who identify as cisgender, gay, White, and male in order to further understand the multidimensionality of embodying both privileged as well as marginalized identities. Four participants were interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide and the resulting transcripts were analyzed utilizing the Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) perspective. Experiential themes that emerged from the analysis of the individual cases as well as across the cases include unintended pathways into the field of student affairs, experiences of challenging heterosexual male supervisors and the preference for women supervisors, …

Design Thinking For Health Environments: Case Study Research On Innovation, Design Leadership, And Healthcare Complexity, Diana S. Nicholas

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

As healthcare costs are skyrocketing, of the 6,093 hospitals in America, 53% will lose money in the current year (Coleman-Lochner, 2022). Design health innovation centers (DHICs) are formed in Europe and the United States to create efficiencies in healthcare related to budget challenges. DHICs exist in unique contexts both in America and Europe that are not yet well understood. These efforts are difficult to lead due to the lack of understanding of their worth and how their process is valuable to healthcare settings (Bhattacharyya et al., 2022). The specific problem examined here is that little is known about how DHIC …

Pick Up A Frog, Or Pet A Dog; Animals Are Our First Teachers, Allison Ratner

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

This dissertation’s goal was an attempt to answer the question: What are the emotional, cognitive, and/or spiritual effects of children’s relationships/interactions with animals that potentially impact their development? By utilizing autoethnography, I analyzed instances from my own life where interacting with animals changed me permanently; my thinking, my knowing, my feeling, my judgement, my empathy, my attitude, and my ethics. With a standpoint rooted in the research of experts from the fields of psychology and education, I combined my personal knowledge gained over a lifetime, to grant merit to the profundity of children’s relationships with animals. With the analyzed data, …

From Rural Roads To College Credits: Understanding Dual Enrollment In New Hampshire's Rural High Schools, Sarah Chase

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

Dual enrollment programs vary significantly across states, schools, and districts, leading to inconsistent college readiness outcomes. While previous research primarily examines differences at the state level, little is known about how these programs operate within rural high schools in the same region. This study examines dual enrollment in four rural high schools in New Hampshire using a multiple-case study approach and thematic analysis. Data was collected through interviews with administrators, faculty, counselors, and alumni, along with reviews of public documents. Six key themes emerged: (1) Barriers to Dual Enrollment, (2) Conflicting Perspectives of Key Players, (3) Benefits of Dual Enrollment, …

Black Birth Work As Radical Praxis: A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Inquiry Of Leadership Among Black Birth Workers, Lesa C. Clark

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

This hermeneutic phenomenological study explores the leadership experiences of Black birth workers (BBWs), revealing critical insights into leadership dynamics within maternal healthcare. Through a theoretical framework integrating African feminism, Black feminism, and anti-racist feminism, the research examines how BBWs conceptualize and enact leadership through embodied, relational, and liberatory approaches. This study addresses a significant gap in leadership literature, particularly regarding generational knowledge and practices of BBWs, which remain understudied despite their vital role in Black maternal healthcare. This study reveals distinct leadership perspectives and methodologies through in-depth interviews with eight BBWs and a detailed interpretive analysis. The findings contribute to …

Restorative Leadership: A Generative Exploration With Women School Leaders, Camille Rénée Pauline Tyson Jacobs

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

As schools increasingly adopt restorative practices, a parallel shift in leadership is occurring, challenging traditional leadership models like servant and transformational leadership. While research has largely focused on student outcomes, there is a critical gap in understanding how restorative practices influence school principals’ leadership. Given their central role in sustaining and expanding restorative initiatives, this study aimed to address that gap by developing a definitional framework for restorative leadership, grounded in the experiences of women school leaders in grades 5 to 12. Using sensemaking theory, the research examined how leaders conceptualize and apply restorative values in practice. Key questions included …

Ethical Imperatives For Rational Paternalism In Advisor-Client Relationships, Igor A. Zey

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

This study seeks to understand the role of ethics and rational paternalism in the practice of financial advising. A significant amount of research examines the effects of rational paternalism on the governmental and institutional levels. Very little research has addressed the issues associated with rational paternalistic behavior by advisors toward their clients. Investopedia (2013) focuses on advisors’ ethics and moral responsibilities, underscoring the ethical standards clients should expect from their financial advisors. However, practically none of the literature examines the ethics, morals, and practical aspects of individual paternalism. In response, this study examines the concept of rational paternalism in advisor-client …

A Ticket To The Show: Reclaiming The Margins Of Film History Through The Orphan Film Movement, Charlotte Roi

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

This dissertation explores the history, development, and legacy of the Orphan Film Movement (OFM), a vital initiative dedicated to identifying, preserving, and promoting cinematic works that have been neglected, forgotten, or left without clear copyright holders. Through the lens of Critical Archival Theory, the research traces the emergence of the OFM from its foundational roots in the broader film preservation movement and examines its evolution through academic, institutional, and community-based advocacy. Drawing on historical research, symposium analysis, and theoretical engagement, this study demonstrates how the OFM reshapes historical narratives, democratizes preservation practices, and redefines what constitutes cultural memory in film …

Unveiling The Layers: Exploring The Nuances Of Student Organization Experiences For Enhanced Student Leadership Development, Richard Alan Doty

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

Previous studies on the topic of student organizations and clubs often focused on the broad involvement of students, overlooking the complex facets of their experiences within these clubs and organizations. This dissertation investigates the development of leadership capacity in community college students through their engagement in student clubs and organizations. Utilizing the Ready-Willing-Able (RWA) Keating, Rosch and Burgoon (2014) model as a guiding framework, this study explores the ways in which student leadership skills are shaped by various factors, including the size and diversity of the organization and individual behaviors. The research aims to fill a gap in existing literature, …

Beyond Strong: A Phenomenology Of Women Executives And The Connection Between Leadership And Fitness, Nozomi Bullock

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

Senior-level executive leaders’ work in a dynamic, competitive, 24/7 business environment can be physically rigorous, mentally demanding, and emotionally isolating. The same holds true for women pursuing senior-level leadership roles in corporate America. Women who achieve and succeed in such roles remain the minority: Outsiders in elite spaces who are held to higher standards and overly scrutinized. Among senior-level executive women leaders, those committed to a fitness and training regimen including weightlifting constitute an even smaller minority. Senior-level executive roles require stamina, resilience, and courage—qualities that make up the foundation of the mindset of fitness and strength training (Foyster et …

Advancing Accessibility In Higher Education: A Community-Based Approach To Addressing Rising Student Accommodation Needs Requests In The Post-Covid-19 Era, Mariah Lossing

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

Accommodation requests for students with disabilities have increased in higher education over the past decade, with the sharpest rise occurring in the post-COVID environment. Most requests over the past five years have been related to mental health. Faculty, especially adjunct instructors, often lack access to training and resources that address the growing challenges efficiently and effectively. Faculty are balancing academic rigor with flexibility and accessibility while universities experience increasing pressure to retain both students and faculty amidst rising demands and resource limitations. This study explored a community-based approach to addressing accessibility and professional development in the changing landscape of post-COVID-19 …

Implications Of The Second Chance Act For African American Females And Reentry: A Content Analysis Rooted In Critical Race Theory And Intersectionality, Tumia Romero

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

This dissertation examines the content of the Second Chance Act (SCA) to understand its potential impact on the reentry of African American females into society, highlighting the intersectionality of race and gender within the criminal justice system. Despite the SCA’s intentions to facilitate the reintegration of incarcerated individuals, its language and implementation have mainly remained gender-neutral, not addressing the unique challenges faced by African American females. This study employs a qualitative content analysis approach to examine the Second Chance Act, assessing its effectiveness in addressing the social determinants and barriers to reentry that are specific to African American females. According …

Psychological Safety And Belonging In High-Risk Search And Rescue Teams: A Mixed-Methods Study, Sarah Seiler

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

Wilderness search and rescue (SAR) volunteers and teams are essential for the safety of outdoor adventurers, and yet, organizational culture has not been studied closely within this population. While extensive research is available regarding psychological safety in corporate and healthcare environments, the role of psychological safety in high reliability teams, like wilderness SAR, is limited. Organizational belonging is a burgeoning research area that has yet to be explored in wilderness SAR. This mixed methods phenomenological study increased the understanding of the experience of psychological safety and organizational belonging in wilderness SAR volunteers. Initial quantitative statistical analysis that utilized t-tests, correlation …

Not Everyone Had Glass Slippers: A Black Feminist Trauma-Informed Literary Analysis Of Cinderella, Snow White And Alice In Wonderland, Marcia Lynn Dinkins

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

This dissertation reimagines Cinderella, Snow White, and Alice in Wonderland through a Black feminist, healing-centered lens to examine how Black girls and women have been erased, misrepresented, and silenced within dominant literary traditions. Through creative retellings, cultural remembrance, and critical analysis, it introduces the Soulforger, a new archetype and methodological figure who refuses erasure, reshapes silence, and forges meaning out of rupture and scar. Developed uniquely within this study, Black Feminist Trauma-Informed Literary Analysis merges Black feminist theory with transformative approaches, material culture, and embodied knowledge to position storytelling as both scholarship and transformation. The retellings—Mari’Ella: A Black Cinderella, Sola …

Complexity, Polycentricity, And Climate Change: An Embedded, Multi-Level Case Study Of A Climate Meta-Network, Timothy Staub

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

The earth is in crisis, and without urgent, systemic, and collective global action to address the emerging threat of climate change, we will continue to see catastrophic events impacting humanity, threatening our very survival in many regions of the world. Temperatures will rise, ice shelves will melt, seas will rise, crops will fail, water scarcity from drought and new weather patterns will increase and spread, wildfires will accelerate, and food and water insecurity, violence, and the largest human migration in history will ensue. These climate crises will displace over 1.2 billion people by 2050 at a rate currently exceeding 21.5 …

Exploring Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation Effects On Physical Outcomes In People With Parkinson’S Disease: An Umbrella Evidence Mapping Review With Meta-Analyses, Dale M. Harris, Christopher Latella, Nicholas Tripodi, Steven J. O’Bryan

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) is sometimes used alongside medication to alleviate motor symptoms in people with Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, the evidence supporting NIBS’s effectiveness for improving motor function in PD patients is uncertain.

Objective: This umbrella review aims to synthesize recent systematic reviews and meta-analyses that have evaluated the effectiveness of NIBS in improving motor function in people with PD, with a key focus being to examine the quality of the evidence presented. Methods: The review protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022380544) and conducted per Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The search strategy was …

Active Irb Approved Nursing Research Studies In 2025, Brooke Randol Msn, Rn, Agcns-Bc, Cmsrn, Cws, Michelle Diss Msn, Rn, Np-Bc, Natalie Mclaughlin Bsn,Rn,Ncsn, April Didion Bsn, Rn, Amy Moord Asn, Rn, Janette Richardson Msn, Rn, Ag-Cns, Ccrn, Kellie Girardot Msn, Rn, Sarah Cook Msn, Rn, Jan Powers Phd, Rn, Ccrn, Alicia Floor, Andrea D. Conley Msn, Rn, Agcns-Bc, Mscrn, David Franks Mads, Mha, Kelly Etnier Mba, Kayla Mcgee Ma, Pmp, Jennifer Esslinger Bsn, Rn, Cfrn, Ctrn

Nursing Active Studies

Assessment of a Connected-Health, Pressure Monitoring Technology for Improving Clinical Outcomes of Compression Therapy in the Treatment of Venous Leg Ulcers  PI: Brooke Randol MSN, RN, AGCNS-BC, CWS, CMSRN 
  Exploration of Skin Failure Clinical Indicators 
PI: Brooke Randol MSN, RN, AGCNS-BC, CMSRN, CWS; Michelle Diss, MSN, RN, NP-BC 
  Addressing Knowledge Gaps Among Adolescents Regarding Infant Safe Sleep and Shaken Baby Syndrome 
PI: Natalie McLaughlin BSN, RN, NCSN; April Didion BSN, RN; Amy Moord ASN, RN 
 
  Evaluation of Safety and Efficacy of Dual Verification for Feeding Tube Placement 
PI: Janette Richardson MSN, RN, AG-CNS, CCRN 
  The Evaluation of the Elevate™ Turning …

A Pedagogy Of Self: A Critical Autoethnography Evaluating The Self And The Lessons Of Exposure, Experience, Action, And Inaction, Jeremy Grisham

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

This dissertation is a critical autoethnography, which evaluates a lifetime of experience through the lens of an educational theory in critical pedagogy, and two psychological theories in liberation psychology and feminist therapy. These theoretical frameworks will help me evaluate how the lessons of my life have acted in both oppressive ways, and ways in which I have supported and benefited from systemic oppression. This research demonstrates that the existence of my own diagnosed psychopathologies, which have provided symptomatic pressures, have ultimately stemmed from systemic pressures, even those systems of which I have inherently benefited. Through this research, I conclude that …

Facing The Tension: A Grounded Theory Of Perceptions Of Bias, Cultural Responsiveness, And Social Justice Advocacy Among Forensic Evaluators, Magen M. Hauser

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

Forensic psychologists are held to culturally responsive standards by the American Psychological Association, which reflect the latest research calling for professionals to acknowledge and reflect on power, privilege, and biases within themselves, their practice, and other elements of their work. However, forensic psychology has not kept pace with this movement. Additionally, the credibility and livelihood of forensic evaluators and their professional judgments rely on their ability to be as objective and unbiased as possible. Often, the idea of focusing on one’s own identities and biases as the evaluator is conflated with a lack of objectivity. This perceived conflict of expectations …

Reimagining Care: Experiences Of Trauma-Informed Approaches And Deinstitutionalization In Caribbean Child Welfare, Sarah L. Subhan

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

This study explored the perceptions and experiences of child welfare professionals on trauma-informed care and implications for deinstitutionalization in Trinidad and Tobago. The qualitative study utilized research interviews from 21 participants to inform findings. The participants included professionals from various agencies who work with children in care and protection. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data, yielding six overarching themes (1) the need for training and capacity building in child protection, (2) systemic and organizational challenges to trauma informed care, (3) cultural and community factors impacting child protection, (4) the need to support family units as a pathway to …

Intersectional Opportunities For Drama Therapy And Counseling, Erica Craig-Mann

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

The purpose of this study was to explore the intersectional possibilities between the fields of drama therapy and mental health counseling through the lens of transformative learning theory. Specifically, the research sought to understand the lived experiences of professionals trained in both disciplines to identify how these fields might mutually inform, strengthen, and enhance one another through collaboration and/or dual training. Data were collected through a qualitative online survey and analyzed using thematic analysis. Five themes emerged: (a) Theoretical and Practical Overlaps and Distinctions; (b) Drama Therapy-Informed Counseling: Embodiment, Creativity, and Experiential Practice; (c) Counseling-Informed Drama Therapy: Frameworks for Practice, …

Outside Of The Counseling Room: Whiteness And Antiracism, Carlee D. Smith

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

This dissertation explores the lived experiences of white counselors as they integrate antiracism practices into their non-clinical lives. Rooted in the Multicultural and Social Justice Counseling Competencies (MSJCC) framework, this study addresses the gap in literature surrounding how white counselors embody antiracist ideologies outside of the counseling room. Through narrative qualitative methods, the research examines the challenges, strategies, and reflections of white counselors committed to antiracist practices; practical integration into personal life often encounters barriers related to internal biases, social resistance, and limited educational support. Insights from this research highlight the critical need for ongoing self-reflection, community accountability, and structural …

An Examination Of Harm During The Real-Life Experience, Michelle E. Balch

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

The Real-Life Experience (RLE) has been described as a coercive and arbitrary requirement without evidence of validity or reliability. This can cause more harm than it prevents for a significant subset of transition-seeking transgender clients. For these reasons the RLE was dropped from the WPATH Standards of Care after version six. However, the RLE has been adopted by a number of health insurance companies as a measure of readiness to receive transition services. An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) and semi-structured interviews of five individuals were conducted to evaluate their perceptions of RLE and the meaning they attach to their broader …

Relating To Pain: Attachment As A Framework For Understanding Chronic Pain, Katie H. Brenner

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

Despite contemporary Western healthcare’s emphasis on the biopsychosocial model of illness, there has been relatively limited attention given to the way that attachment relationships, as part of the social sphere of the model, impact individuals’ chronic pain experiences and management. Attachment influences help-seeking behaviors, sense of self-efficacy, coping skills, and communication abilities, all of which are implicated in pain experience and management. As such, this dissertation examines the question: Do attachment experiences influence how individuals perceive and manage chronic pain? This study expands on the existing research by conceptualizing attachment as a fluid experience that varies across relationships and circumstances, …

Geriatric Care In Corrections: An Exploratory Study Of Cross-Disciplinary Perspectives On The Needs Of An Aging Prison Population, Cynthia A. Scheiderer

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

The incarcerated population in the United States is aging. The proportion of adults 55 or older in prison rose from 3% in 1993 to 16% at year-end 2022 (Carson & Sabol, 2016; Carson & Kluckow, 2024). Researchers have consistently found evidence that the prevalence of disabilities and functional impairment is higher among older adults who are incarcerated than among those in the community. As the incarcerated population ages, corrections professionals responsible for providing safety, housing, and health care must respond to the needs of the population. In this qualitative study, 21 corrections professionals from the disciplines of custody, classification, medical, …

“Be Careful, That One’S Aggressive!”: Canine Counterstories: Shifting Shelter Dog Narratives For Improved Welfare, Lori Carscadden

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

This study uses Scholarly Personal Narrative (SPN) methodology to challenge dominant narratives surrounding shelter dogs, as well as to examine how human perceptions and subsequent behaviors impact shelter dogs’ experiences in American animal shelter institutions. Drawing from personal and professional experiences as a canine behaviorist, I challenge prevailing “bad dog” narratives and introduce Canine CounterStoryTelling, a framework that I have developed which combines Standpoint Theory, Environmental Enrichment Theory, and Humane Education values. By integrating this theoretical framework in conjunction with the introspective nature of SPN, this study focuses on interrupting the status quo and creating impactful spaces to contribute to …

Racial Battle Fatigue In Higher Education: Understanding The Intersectional Dimensions Of Faculty And Staff Experiences, Candice N. Flowers-Taylor

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

This dissertation investigates Racial Battle Fatigue within institutions of higher education, focusing on its impact on faculty and staff of color. It examines how race, gender, socio-economic status, and institutional structures intersect to shape individual experiences of this phenomenon. To explore these dynamics, the study employs a qualitative methodology that includes semi-structured interviews, open-ended survey responses, and thematic analysis. It is grounded in the theoretical frameworks of Racial Battle Fatigue, Critical Race Theory, and Intersectionality. This research offers insight into the emotional, psychological, and physical toll experienced by faculty and staff of color in predominantly white institutions. It challenges prevailing …