Digital Commons Network^™

Analysis Of Self, Annika Gb Anderson

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Abstract

This paper is an analysis of my personal experiences, relationships, development, and how these factors have shaped who I am personally and professionally. I reflect on different areas of my life including my relationships, academic and career journey, mental, chemical, and physical health, cultural identity, coping strategies, strengths, and personal interests. I also discuss the results and personal impact of personality and career assessments as well as interviews with family members who know me well. Through this process, I gained a deeper understanding of how my life experiences have influenced my values, beliefs, and approach to counseling. I found …

Understanding Myself As A Helping Professional, Mia Duncan

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

This paper reflects on my own personal experiences that have shaped the person I am both personally and professionally. The purpose of this paper is to showcase the emotional, mental, and physical events I have gone through as well as the work I have done to overcome these challenging events to better serve my future students and clients. I have identified pivotal relationships in my life, therapeutic approaches that have worked for my own development, as well as what I use to help my students as a school counselor, and what my plans are after I graduate to continue as …

Megan Doebbeling Plan B Project, Megan J. Doebbeling

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

This self-analysis project explores my personal, academic, and professional gorwth as I work toward becoming a school counselor. Through reflection on my relationships, family background, career path, and life experiences, I examine how these have shaped my approach to helping others. I identify both strengths as well as areas for growth for personal and professional development. This paper also outlines my evolving theoretical orientation, grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), and a holistic wellness perspective, all of which align with my belief in strengths-based, actionable counseling. Finally, insights from formal assessments and interviews with close family …

On The Outside Looking In: A Reflection Of Self, Andrew J. Bates

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

As a musical theater enthusiast, song lyrics hold deeper meaning for me than poems or historical quotes. One line from Hamilton that is particularly meaningful to me is, “I am the one thing in life I can control. I am inimitable. I am an original.” (Lin-Manuel Miranda, 2015, 1:34). Through my exploration of self, I have found these three things to be true. By re-walking the path of my past, through my childhood, relationships, and growth, I have discovered just how original I truly am. This theme emerged again whilst examining my theoretical conceptualization. Many others may use the same …

My Journey Into Discovering How My Experiences Shape Who I Am Today, Sabrina K. Forde-Kerbaugh

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

This is an ‘Analysis of Self’ portfolio that goes through many key points and people that have shaped the person I am today. This paper will start with going through my background information, which will range from my close relationships, to my favorite activities and hobbies. The second section will go through two different self-assessments and what I learned from completing each of them. The third section of this paper will go through the results of the interviews I completed with a handful of my close family members and friends. After going through the themes from conducting my interviews, I …

Countless Journeys: Becoming A Mental Health Counselor, David Smallen

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

This self-analysis articulates the author’s process of developing, across his own lifetime, personal aspects essential to professional practice as a mental health counselor. Explored in this paper are the author’s experiences across diverse areas of development, including: relationships, culture, mental and physical health, career and hobby interests, and personal strengths. The author’s theoretical orientations towards therapeutic practice, including the lenses of Psychosocial Lifespan Development, Relational-Cultural Theory, and Existential Theory, are articulated and connected to his personal narrative. Results from two personality inventories, the VIA Character Strengths Inventory and the Primals Inventory are presented and discussed, as are key points from …

Layers Of Self: Unpacking Identity And Experience, Alayna N. Gary

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

In this paper I explored myself through my history, assessments, feedback, theories, and personal & professional reflection. In the background section, I looked at formative life experiences & developmental theory, my worldview, and why I chose this career path. Using the assessments Myers-Briggs Type Indicator and Strong Interest Inventory, I gained a better understanding of my personality strengths and career alignment. Interpersonal interviews with my family members, coworker, and classmate all revealed common themes in myself and how others view me. I conceptualized how several theories including Person-Centered, Cognitive-Behavioral, and Adlerian, relate to my personal and professional identity. I integrated …

A Moment For Pause, Jared J. Saunders

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

This essay outlines the life of Jared Saunders, from his birth in 1995 to the day this was written in 2026. Born, raised, and educated in Minnesota, he grew up in a stable household with a moderate sized family. Trained to be an educator, he has recently redirected his career path towards becoming a school counselor in the hopes that he can better serve his students. Throughout the process of researching and writing for this essay, the author reflected on his life and the mechanisms that steadily sculpted him into the person he is today. After chronologically reflecting on his …

Between Sessions: Counseling The Counselor In Training – The Long Conversation, Ashley J. Sather

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

The analysis of self can open up new opportunities to reflect on experiences that shape us. Exploring past experiences that got us to where we are now, looking at present experiences and perspectives, as well as looking forward to future career goals all have a part in knowing yourself. Learning about my own journey will help me in supporting others through theirs. What I have been through with family and friends, my faith, my academic career, and my culture have created the person I am. I used assessment and theoretical orientation exploration to gather deeper information into who I am …

The Child I Was, The Individual And Counselor I Am Becoming: A Theoretical Self Conceptualization, Jill Neustel

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Abstract

This paper examines the development of my personal and professional identity with the help of multiple counseling theories: Family Systems Theory, Developmental Trauma Theory, Adlerian Theory, and Existential Theory. By reflecting on my life experiences, I connect how childhood and family relationships, inconsistent caregiving, and emotional unpredictability impacted my development of self, the ability to cope, and function within various relationships. From my family dynamics, I became hypervigilant, had chronic self-doubt, and a persistent belief that something was wrong with me. My childhood contributed to my internalized shame, masking behaviors, and seeking external validation. Through theoretical integration, I was …

Plan B- Self Analysis, Michaela K. Halvorson

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

The background information includes the topics of: family/relationships, academics, mental, chemical, and physical health, culture, resilience, and coping skills of the writer. Addressing what has impacted the writer’s life and development is covered. Topics of impact are family structure, heart issues, and my own mental health issues. Application of the assessments, Myers-Briggs type indicator, and the Strong Interest Inventory, then interviews of five people close to the writer, and the counseling theories: wounded healer, disenfranchised grief, and Bowen's family system theory were used in conceptualizing the writer's background information. A reflection of professional identity and a plan to continue professional …

My Existence And Experience, Ava Aigner

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

This analysis of self-paper aided me in exploring and reflecting on personal experiences that had a direct impact on my development and identity. Several elements aided in developing an indepth analysis of self, including taking and interpreting assessments, engaging in interviews with significant individuals and reflecting on their responses, and the integration of relevant theories throughout the paper in order to develop a conceptualization of self. Through this analysis, I have reflected on my life, which has helped me become more self-aware and confident in my professional abilities as I continue to evolve and learn. Keywords: Attachment styles, relationships, family, …

Exploring The Impact Of Ungrading On Student Engagement And Motivation In A First-Year Composition Class, Mary B. Gruis

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

This study investigated the association between student engagement, motivation, and self-efficacy in college-level writing-intensive courses using an ungraded approach. Motivated by disillusionment with traditional grading methods and inspired by texts on equitable grading and culturally responsive teaching, the researcher explored how ungrading could foster deeper learning and equitable educational practices. Grounded in Bandura’s (1997) self-efficacy framework, this qualitative case study examined the lived experiences of first-year composition students at a two-year institution. Data collection included student interviews, student reflections, and an instructor interview. The analysis revealed themes aligned with self-efficacy, engagement, and motivation, suggesting that ungrading positively impacted students' perceptions …

Self Analysis, Halle K. Siegler

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

This self-analysis paper is written to divulge different information that will be beneficial after the completion of my mental health counseling graduate degree. Within this paper, I explore different topics pertaining to relationships, hobbies, therapeutic theories, and interviews from those who know me best. The analysis works to highlight strengths and abilities, weaknesses, and growth to allow a deeper understanding of who I am, and who I want to continue to be. All these aspects are things that have importance to me and have shown importance to others and are to be used as a reflection of myself for growth …

Ace’S On Adult Mental Health Outcomes, Isabella L. Fears

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Abstract

This self-assessment explores how personal development, lived experiences, and relational influences shape my emerging professional identity as a counselor. Through a reflective examination of background experiences, this assessment considers how developmental factors shape values, beliefs, and relational tendencies related to clinical practices. Self-assessment instruments, including the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) Career Report and the Strong Interest Inventory, were utilized to provide additional insight into personality, preferences, and vocational interests. The analysis integrates person-centered, Adlerian, and existential theoretical perspectives to conceptualize personal development and functioning. Additionally, Jung’s concept of individuation and the wounded healer framework are used to examine how …

The Person Behind The Counselor: An Analysis Of Self Project, Maya G. Knudsen

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Abstract

This project is an in-depth analysis of the self, intended to strengthen self-awareness and guide the development of a professional identity as a clinical mental health counselor. Using a narrative exploration of personal background information, this project examines the influence of family dynamics, mental health history, cultural identity, and life experiences. This project includes assessments, such as the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator and the Emotional Intelligence Appraisal, to provide more insight into specific personality traits and behavioral patterns. There are also perspectives from individuals interviewed that contribute to a deeper and more thoughtful understanding of personal strengths and areas to …

Transformation Through Reflection: An Analysis Of Self In Counselor Development, Renata D. Mosaei

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Abstract

This paper explores a self-analysis and a theoretical conceptualization through the lens of cognitive behavioral therapy, person-centered therapy, and attachment theory. These theories are used to examine themes and patterns related to interpersonal functioning, cognitive processes, and to interpret life experiences. CBT is used to examine thoughts, feelings, and behavior and their influence on each other. Person-centered therapy is used to examine themes of empathy, congruence, and unconditional positive regard. Attachment theory is used to examine how attachment developed in childhood influences interpersonal functioning across the lifespan. This process revealed that analyzing the self through theoretical frameworks provides deeper …

Comprehensive Review Of Writing Instruction And Writing Curriculum, Brooklyn E. Vonbank

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

This capstone project provides a comprehensive review of writing instruction and writing curriculum, with focus on improving outcomes for students, particularly those with learning disabilities. Chapter 1 examines how students learn to write through the cognitive process model (Flower & Hayes, 1981), emphasizing the recursive nature of planning, translating, and reviewing, as well as the interconnected relationship between reading and writing. It also explores why students with learning disabilities often experience difficulty with writing due to challenges with foundational skills and increased cognitive load. Chapter 2 identifies key gaps in writing instruction, including limited instructional time, inconsistent implementation of evidence-based …

Building Preschool Teacher Confidence In Understanding Student Accommodations By Implementing The Multi-Tiered Systems Of Support (Mtss) Framework, Heather Briese

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Abstract

The overall goal of this paper is to highlight the crucial role that educators have with student development. Educators' knowledge and the ability to implement High-Leverage Practices (HLPs), Evidence-Based Practices (EBPs), and providing the Mutli-Tiered Systems of Support  (MTSS) are essential for student growth through effective student accommodations. This paper will examine how these practices can be implemented to support students in both academics and socially-emotionally. In order for early childhood educators to be successful in providing student support they need to have a comprehensive understanding of High-Leverage Practices (HLPs), Evidence-Based Practices (EBPs), Mutli-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) and …

A Study On Community And Technical College Students' Identification Of Culturally Responsive Pedagogy, Cynthia J. Carow Schiebe

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether students could identify culturally responsive pedagogy (CRP) and, to what extent, in a community or technical college classroom where a set of goals and strategies had been established to guide methodology. Previous research on CRP traditionally focused on the educators’ or administrators’ interpretation of what students had learned when CRP was used as a methodology to reduce the opportunity gap. Students in classrooms where CRP was used were able to identify content that was aligned with their needs and wants, bring their own lives into the class without fear, balance their …

Reflection Of Self: A Project Dedicated To The Lifetime Development, Travis M. Polster

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Self-Reflection is an essential skill to becoming an effective school counselor.  Self-Reflection has led to explore, identify and create further opportunities to expand on my personal development.  Impactful relationships have contributed significantly to my development over the course of my lifetime.  Academics and careers impacted me both positively and negatively, but most important the shift in views on academics motivated me to prepare for a career change and the ability to impact my students in powerful ways for the rest of their life.  Other contributing factors consist of mental, social and physical health along with personal identity. A strong grasp …

Zoo U: An Emotional Wellness Intervention Case Study, Georgia B. Reemts

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

The purpose of this project was to evaluate the effects of Zoo U, a digital game-based social-emotional learning (SEL) intervention, on a third-grade student's self-control and peer relationship skills. Zoo U focuses on teaching social skills by providing practice opportunities through a virtual simulation that mimics realistic school scenarios, targeting 6 core skill areas: communication, cooperation, emotion regulation, empathy, impulse control, and social initiation. The student participant received the intervention service once each week for nine sessions. Progress monitoring measures included student self-report direct behavior ratings (DBR), observational DBR reporting from the student’s classroom teacher, and Zoo U activity reports. …

What Are The Specific Parameters Of Cold-Water Immersion On Its Positive Effects On Recovery And Sleep In The Physically Active Population?, Landyn L. James, Jay Albrecht, Dawn Hammerschmidt

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Cold-water immersion (CWI) is widely used in athletic and rehabilitative settings to enhance post‑exercise recovery, yet optimal treatment parameters remain inconsistent across clinical practice. Physically active individuals frequently seek recovery strategies that improve muscle function and sleep quality, creating a need to evaluate the evidence supporting specific CWI protocols. Focused Clinical Question: The purpose of this critically appraised topic (CAT) was to determine which temperature and duration parameters of CWI most effectively improve muscle recovery and sleep in physically active populations. A focused clinical question was developed using the PICO framework. Search Strategies: Systematic reviews and meta-analyses were identified through …

Investigating The Relationship Between Student Nurse Perceptions Of Faculty Caring Interactions And Their Reported Professional Quality Of Life, Lynette A. How

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Abstract

Burnout and compassion satisfaction in academic clinical contexts are critical dimensions of professional quality of life (ProQOL) in nursing education, yet their influence on student perceptions of faculty caring remains underexplored. Guided by Watson’s Theory of Human Caring and a social constructivist lens, this quantitative, cross-sectional correlational study examined relationships between nursing students’ self-reported professional quality of life and perceptions of faculty caring interactions. Data were collected from 207 prelicensure nursing students enrolled in practical, associate, and baccalaureate programs at two Midwestern institutions. Two validated instruments were employed: the Professional Quality of Life Scale – Short Version (Short ProQOL) …

A Critically Appraised Topic: Effectiveness Of Hydrogen-Rich Water Therapies In Reducing Inflammation, Bill Craig, Dawn Hammerschmidt, Jay Albrecht

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Inflammation is an important part of healing, but prolonged inflammation or inflammatory disease can cause excess pain and tissue damage. Hydrogen-rich water therapies have shown to have positive effects on this wide variety of conditions and may have a role in future therapeutic intervention for inflammatory conditions and acute injury care. Hydrogen is a commonly known element that has recently been the subject of scientific studies to analyze its beneficial properties when used as a therapeutic intervention. Hydrogen is physically the smallest element on the periodic table, and when two hydrogen atoms combine to form H2, it is known as …

Short-Term Bayesian Influenza Forecasting In A Hospital Environment Using A Linear Kalman Filter., Shankar Kaleeswaran Mani, Grzegorz A Rempala, Eben Kenah, Fernanda L Schumacher

Ambulatory and Primary Care Articles

Accurately forecasting the weekly number of influenza (flu) lab tests and positive cases is important for hospitals as they work to plan staffing, manage supplies, and provide timely patient care. In this paper, we describe a practical use of a Bayesian Kalman filter to forecast weekly flu tests and positives in a hospital setting. Using data from a large hospital system in Ohio, we show that this approach, which blends real-time hospital information with historical patterns, offers a dependable way to anticipate flu-related patient volume as far as four weeks ahead.

Effects Of Natural And Urban Soundscapes On Affective States And Concentration In Educational Settings, Ahmad Rusdi, Fani Eka Nurtjahjo, Mutiara Sari, Elmira Syamsa Musliha, Hasya Nadhira, Rahmanisa Maharani, Gladys Marisca, Aisyah Raihana Azzah

Journal of Environmental Science and Sustainable Development

Although environmental noise has been extensively studied, limited research has compared the differential effects of natural and urban soundscapes on psychological outcomes. This pilot study examined the impact of urban and natural soundscapes on students’ concentration and affective responses. A pre–post experimental design with two groups was implemented, involving 12 undergraduate participants (aged 18–24 years) with equal gender representation. Concentration was measured using the polyshape board, which was preliminary validated in this study, while affective states (pleasantness and arousal) were assessed using the Affect Grid Scale (AGS) before and after exposure. Given the limited sample size and the ordinal data, …

Development Of Small-Molecule Therapeutics Targeting Neurodegenerative Diseases And Oncology, Thomas Webster

Theses & Dissertations

Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), and colorectal cancer (CRC) remain significant clinical challenges requiring improved therapeutic strategies. This dissertation describes the design, synthesis, and pharmacological evaluation of structurally diverse small-molecule scaffolds targeting the sigma-1 receptor (S1R) for symptomatic modulation in AD, the dopamine D4 receptor (D4R) for management of L-DOPA–induced dyskinesia in PD, and claudin-1 for targeted intervention in CRC. Fused azabicyclic scaffolds were developed as S1R modulators, and systematic structure–activity relationship (SAR) studies identified key structural features governing receptor affinity, selectivity, metabolic stability, and central nervous system penetration. Optimized analogs demonstrated improved metabolic stability and favorable brain exposure, …

Inconsistencies Emerge Between Regional And Local-Scale Water Security Metrics At Military Installations, Abigail Birnbaum, Michael L. Berg, Caitlin Grady, Daniel J. Weeks, Christopher M. Chini

Faculty Publications

Recent United States federal policy for military installations has emphasized the importance of developing a standardized approach for water security assessment to monitor changes in water resources and the ability for an installation to meet both its civilian and mission needs. For military installations in the United States, these assessments must consider demands both inside and outside the installation’s fence line, as regional resources are required to meet mission readiness. Focusing on physical water scarcity, this study compares four water security metrics with unique formulations and spatial resolutions, including an installation-scale metric and multiple regional metrics defined for either baseline …

To Reveal Hpws Factors Shaping Turnover Intention Within The Uzbekistan Automotive Industry, Jinwoong Yoo, Isroiljon Alimov, Hyunmi Jang, Saeyeon Roh

Plymouth Business School

Drawing on the JD-R theory, this research examines a paradox: HPWS elements, typically deemed as job resources, can function as job demands under certain conditions, increasing turnover intention in Uzbekistan’s automotive sector. Using fsQCA on 230 responses, four configurations were discovered, including a robust pattern indicating that when most resources exist, including compensation, the absence of communication can shape turnover intention. Findings extend the JD-R theory by revealing how HPWS can act as demands depending on resource combinations, and provide suggestions for leaders and HR managers to adjust HPWS practices in high-growth and resource-constrained environments in Uzbekistan.