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Full-Text Articles in Social and Behavioral Sciences

Examining How Sexual Trauma Has Affected Women In Their Education: Creating A Community Of Awareness In The Educational System, Tyeasia Dorsey Jun 2024

Examining How Sexual Trauma Has Affected Women In Their Education: Creating A Community Of Awareness In The Educational System, Tyeasia Dorsey

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Sexual Trauma can have debilitating effects on women’s lives. The goal of this study was to focus on one aspect: how sexual trauma affects women’s academic performance, whether continuing education, a decrease in grades and grade point average (GPA), or the continuation of further educational studies. The underlying rationale for the study was the lack of research on the topic, especially in rural communities. This research utilized a qualitative study approach by conducting semi-structured interviews. This study was conducted to examine the mental health components of sexual trauma in women: a lack of support versus having a supportive environment and …


A Phenomenological Study: Experiences Of Men Residing In A Substance Abuse Recovery Program With A Domestic Violence Perpetration Intervention Cohort, Tauchanna Gilmore Bullock May 2024

A Phenomenological Study: Experiences Of Men Residing In A Substance Abuse Recovery Program With A Domestic Violence Perpetration Intervention Cohort, Tauchanna Gilmore Bullock

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences of men in a substance use disorder (SUD) residential program simultaneously receiving domestic violence (DV) perpetration intervention and services that address adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). This study examined men’s ACEs, substance use, and DV perpetration. Urie Bronfenbrenner’s socioecological model and Rudolf Moos’ modification of socioecological model provided the foundational context and theoretical framework for the study. Although there are various reasons individuals use substances, one of the underlying causes is often unattended ACEs. Individuals with SUDs are also often the perpetrators of DV within their intimate relationships. …


Bridging Faith And Restoration: A Phenomenological Study Exploring Evangelical Pastors’ Experiences Ministering To Congregants With Trauma In The Greater Toronto Area, Lindsay Knox Mcvety May 2024

Bridging Faith And Restoration: A Phenomenological Study Exploring Evangelical Pastors’ Experiences Ministering To Congregants With Trauma In The Greater Toronto Area, Lindsay Knox Mcvety

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to understand how evangelical pastors in the Greater Toronto Area describe their experiences with discussing trauma with congregants and their experiences with trauma-informed care in the church. The theory guiding this research is Transformative Learning Theory (TLT). As discussed by Mezirow (1991), TLT explains transformation occurs by increasing knowledge by learning about topics where outdated or misinformed concepts previously existed. The main research question is, how do evangelical pastors in the Greater Toronto Area describe their experiences ministering to congregants who have experienced trauma? Further sub-questions ask, how do evangelical pastors in …


Perceived Stress From Covid-19 On High School Students With Previous Trauma In A Rural County In The Southeastern United States, Kari Anne Russell May 2024

Perceived Stress From Covid-19 On High School Students With Previous Trauma In A Rural County In The Southeastern United States, Kari Anne Russell

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The COVID-19 pandemic created historical trauma that will be felt for years to come. As the world begins sifting through the impacts, adolescents with previous trauma could be among the greatest sufferers. Rooted in trauma theory, this study aimed to examine the effects on high school students with previous trauma in a rural county in the southeastern United States. Variables such as previous mental health or counseling services, gender, socioeconomic status, race or ethnicity, and number of generations living in the home were all examined for those students having four or more ACEs. Through a quantitative design and with passive …


The Intersection Of Trauma, Faith, And Addiction Among Women In Recovery At The Walter Hoving Home, Jessica I. West Apr 2024

The Intersection Of Trauma, Faith, And Addiction Among Women In Recovery At The Walter Hoving Home, Jessica I. West

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The association between substance use disorders (SUDs), childhood trauma, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is becoming increasingly evident. There are faith-based programs available to assist women in overcoming addiction; however, there is presently no research examining the relationship between trauma, faith, and addiction among women in such programs as the Walter Hoving Home (WHH). Through a multiple regression analysis, this quantitative study evaluated the relationship between these three variables of interest among women in recovery. This study collected data through an anonymous Qualtrics survey with a self-report questionnaire, the Adverse Childhood Experiences Questionnaire (ACEs), Tobacco Alcohol Prescription medication and Other …


A Phenomenological Study Of Adoptive Parents’ Distress, Erica Rhoads Apr 2024

A Phenomenological Study Of Adoptive Parents’ Distress, Erica Rhoads

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences of distress in parents who have adopted internationally. The aim was also to discover what this lived experience is like through the perception of both objective and subjective reality, providing understanding and meaning from the perception and experience of adopting and then parenting children who have experienced significant trauma. An additional goal of this study was to evaluate the experience of sharing their adoption story within a narrative therapy support group as a way to alleviate some of their distress. A focus on the background of adoption …


A Phenomenological Examination Of The Experiences Of College Theater Majors In Regard To The Covid-19 Pandemic And Lockdowns In The United States, Ronda Celeste Jones Apr 2024

A Phenomenological Examination Of The Experiences Of College Theater Majors In Regard To The Covid-19 Pandemic And Lockdowns In The United States, Ronda Celeste Jones

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The COVID-19 pandemic and resulting lockdowns were phenomena experienced by the majority of the modern world, but not everyone experienced it in the same way. Each person brings their own past, their own interests, and their own needs to the lived experience. Pre-pandemic research on art therapy suggests that creative expression could be helpful to adolescents experiencing such trauma. Theater majors are a particular set of people for whom creative expression through theater is a huge part of their life. Theater majors are also participating in a creative activity that requires social contact, and that social contact was limited or …


Christian Meditation And Yoga Breathwork: Complimentary Interventions For Ptsd, Beulah Savithri Joshua Apr 2024

Christian Meditation And Yoga Breathwork: Complimentary Interventions For Ptsd, Beulah Savithri Joshua

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This multiple-baseline experimental design study examined the impact of trauma-informed Christian yoga (TICY) and Christian meditation (CM) on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and its symptoms for adult trauma survivors at Lifepath Counseling, a private mental health treatment practice. The theories guiding this study were Adlerian and trauma theory, based on the idea that any trauma is defined as extremely upsetting emotional event that overwhelms the individual's internal resources, potentially leading to long-lasting psychological symptoms of PTSD in some cases. It was vital to explore efficacious and cost-effective treatment interventions to alleviate PTSD symptoms in this study. Complementary and alternative medicines …


A Phenomenology Study- Vicarious Trauma Among School Counselors And Teachers Working With Students From The Northern Triangle In Elementary Title I Schools, Janeth B. Santiesteban Apr 2024

A Phenomenology Study- Vicarious Trauma Among School Counselors And Teachers Working With Students From The Northern Triangle In Elementary Title I Schools, Janeth B. Santiesteban

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The present phenomenological study aimed to describe the lived experiences of school counselors and teachers working at elementary Title I schools in Maryland with students from the Northern Triangle (a region of Central America comprising El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras). The assumption was that these education professionals may undergo struggles and demands that may put them at risk of vicarious trauma due to the trauma those students and their families have endured. The theory guiding this study was the transactional theory of stress and coping (Lazarus,1966; Lazarus & Folkman, 1984) and the stress theory (Cohen et al., 1997), which converge …


Foster Parents’ Perspectives On Factors Influencing The Development Of And The Impact Associated With Secondary Traumatic Stress, Latronia Smith Apr 2024

Foster Parents’ Perspectives On Factors Influencing The Development Of And The Impact Associated With Secondary Traumatic Stress, Latronia Smith

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to understand secondary traumatic stress (STS) for foster parents who care for children who have experienced trauma. The three research questions that guided this study were: how do foster caregivers describe their experience with STS, what factors do foster parents perceive as contributors to the development of STS, and how do foster parents cope with symptoms of distress associated with STS? The theoretical framework for the study was based on the stress process theory by Pearlin (1981) which focuses on sources of stress, manifestations of stress, and coping strategies. Data was collected …


A Phenomenological Study Detailing Psychotherapeutic Perspectives Of Psychotherapists Who Treat Individuals Living With Pathological Dissociative Practices, Ebony M. Martinez Apr 2024

A Phenomenological Study Detailing Psychotherapeutic Perspectives Of Psychotherapists Who Treat Individuals Living With Pathological Dissociative Practices, Ebony M. Martinez

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The present phenomenological study endeavors to offer a comprehensive and profound insight into the phenomenon of pathological dissociation and the working experiences of psychotherapists who specialize in treating individuals with this condition. The primary objective of this study is to shed light on the intricate nature of pathological dissociation and provide a better understanding of the challenges that psychotherapists encounter during the therapeutic process. Nine licensed psychotherapists agreed to share their expertise and experiences in working with pathological dissociation. The trauma model was used as the theoretical framework to interpret reported pathological dissociative experiences. Based on participant reports, this theory …


Phenomenological Study Of Resiliency Among Native Americans, Mary K. Laungayan Mar 2024

Phenomenological Study Of Resiliency Among Native Americans, Mary K. Laungayan

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study is to understand what resilience factors, if any, contribute to the reversal of adverse reactions to intergenerational trauma, in Native Americans. The study will attempt to use the data collected to determine an implementation of support that will build a scaffolding of resilience that can benefit Native American Children. The theory guiding this study is the resiliency theory, which conceptualizes positive variables that guide behaviors in individuals who have been exposed to historical trauma and experienced, Adverse Childhood Effects (ACEs) (Zimmerman, 2013). Using an exploratory qualitative design, this study worked to gather data from …


Does Intergenerational Trauma Influence Growth Or Fixed Mindset Among Ethnic Minorities?, Kevin Ladunn Thomas Feb 2024

Does Intergenerational Trauma Influence Growth Or Fixed Mindset Among Ethnic Minorities?, Kevin Ladunn Thomas

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Intergenerational trauma is a phenomenon commonly experienced by ethnic minorities in the United States. This type of trauma can profoundly affect individuals, families, and communities. Despite the prevalence and importance of intergenerational trauma, little research has investigated the link between intergenerational trauma and individuals’ mindsets. Therefore, the purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to understand the perceptions, experiences, and beliefs of ethnic minorities with intergenerational trauma regarding fixed and growth mindsets. The theory guiding this study was Carol Dweck’s mindset theory. To assess the influence of intergenerational trauma on ethnic minorities’ mindsets, 12 individuals from ethnic minority backgrounds were …


The Mental Health Effects Of Vicarious Trauma, Moral Injury, And Positive Religious Coping With Canine Comfort Handlers, Terri Jeanne O'Brien-Cross Jan 2024

The Mental Health Effects Of Vicarious Trauma, Moral Injury, And Positive Religious Coping With Canine Comfort Handlers, Terri Jeanne O'Brien-Cross

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The intention of this study was to examine whether positive religious coping buffered the mental health effects of vicarious trauma and moral injuries in canine comfort handlers. By examining whether positive religious coping would reduce symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a better understanding of the mental, emotional, and spiritual effects of volunteer handlers was discovered. Handlers work throughout their communities and deploy to crisis events such as mass shootings and natural disasters. By partnering with highly trained canines, they provide support and comfort to those in need. During these interactions, handlers are often exposed to traumatic situations and may …