Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Practitioner Perspectives On Barriers And Opportunities Shaping Contemporary Dei, Carlen Arima

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the lived experiences of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practitioners to understand the barriers and opportunities shaping their work in the current landscape. The study identified conditions for success, including two organizational conditions (authentic leadership commitment and strategic business alignment), three practitioner-driven strategies (human resource operations and systemic integration, use of data and metrics, and adaptive framing to increase adoption), and three persistent barriers (leadership support without operational follow-through, funding and time constraints, and structural marginalization of DEI). A central finding revealed that leadership commitment was both the most cited enabler of success and, when lacking operational …

The Perceptions Of Training And Development And Emotional Intelligence Among Virtual Leaders In Public And Private Institutions Of Higher Education, Ryan J. Trautweiler

Theses and Dissertations

This applied qualitative dissertation explored virtual leadership in higher education, examining virtual leaders' perceptions of training and development and emotional intelligence. Using an inductive research approach, data were collected through semistructured interviews and a questionnaire distributed via Google Forms to eight virtual leaders from public and private higher education institutions. Data were analyzed using interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA) and thematic analysis to identify key patterns and themes. Findings revealed distinctions between public and private institutions. In public institutions, training and development focused on faculty preparedness, resourcefulness in overcoming limitations, and its impact on student engagement. In private institutions, training was …

El Síndrome De Quemazón Laboral “Burnout” Y Su Relación Con La Satisfacción Laboral De Los Docentes Administrativos En Las Escuelas De La Región Educativa Del Sur De Puerto Rico, Nemarie Ortiz

Theses and Dissertations

Esta disertación aplicada fue diseñada para examinar la relación entre el nivel de quemazón laboral (burnout) y la relación con la satisfacción laboral de los directores escolares de las escuelas públicas pertenecientes a la Región Educativa del Sur de Puerto Rico. El propósito de este estudio fue identificar la congruencia del agotamiento de los directores escolares al examinar las dimensiones de agotamiento emocional, despersonalización y realización personal. La adecuación entre la persona y su trabajo se exploró mediante la comparación entre el docente administrativo y su entorno laboral.

En el primer capítulo se abordan los conceptos de satisfacción laboral y …

Effects Of Parent Involvement In Their Children’S Academic And Behavioral Performance, Megan Menozzi

Theses and Dissertations

This applied dissertation was designed to investigate the best practices to increase parental involvement in their children’s school activities by recording and scribing the experiences of certified teachers. Prior to this study, the current school experienced a decrease in parental involvement with their child’s scheduled school activities. As the school carry on with planning scheduled events for parental involvement, teachers were still expected to be prepared to implement curriculum in the classrooms, while ensuring children’s needs were being met by way of continuous communication with families.

The researcher developed a qualitative phenomenological approach. The design allowed the researcher to interview …

Perspectives Of Corporate Instructional Design Experts On Effectiveness, Personal Traits And Attributes, And Technology, Thomas A. Gant

Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative phenomenological descriptive study explored corporate instructional design experts' perspectives on effectiveness, personal traits and attributes, and technology that enhance their expertise. Three central themes emerged: "Mastering Instructional Design: The Journey of Continuous Learning and Skill Development," highlighting the importance of mentorship, lifelong learning, and professional development; "Accessing Instructional Design Expertise Through Individual Strengths," emphasizing adaptability, problem-solving, and empathy; and "Navigating Technological Integration and Innovation in Instructional Design," showcasing the transformative role of tools such as virtual reality, learning management systems, and authoring software. Semi-structured interviews conducted via Zoom with 10 corporate instructional designers with at least 10 years …

Assessing Teachers’ Conceptual Leadership Perceptions Of School-Site Administrators As An Approach To Improve Teacher Morale, Darlene C. Landy

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to have teachers complete a self-assessment survey to assess their conceptual belief of the leadership styles of school-site administrators that are conducive to high teacher morals. The questions addressed how teacher morale affected the teachers according to the number of years they had been teaching, their college majors, their highest college degree, their gender, and their ethnicity. The teachers who participated in this study were volunteers who had to be teaching for 2 years or more.

This was a quantitative study that used the Teacher Rapport With Principal dimension of the Purdue Teacher Opinionnaire …

Slovakian Migration In The Aftermath Of The Velvet Revolution: A Qualitative Study Exploring Gender Relations Through Migration To The United States, Taylor A. Kanuk

Theses and Dissertations

Two million Eastern European immigrants have come to the U.S. in the latter part of the twentieth century, yet there is little research exploring their experiences. Slovakian immigrants represent one group whose presence in the U.S. has not been studied. This thesis investigates how Slovakian immigrants navigate their immigration experience in the aftermath of what is known as the Velvet Divorce, focusing on economic-driven and family-driven migration and transnationalism. Using a qualitative approach, data were collected through ten semi-structured interviews with Slovakian immigrants within the greater Chicago area. The informants in this study recalled their reasons for leaving Slovakia, which …

A New Theater For Age-Old Social Patterns: An Exploratory Study Of Interpersonal Dynamics And The Overlay Of Gender Within Ai Companionship, Miriam Wolff

Theses and Dissertations

The emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) companions fundamentally shifts the landscape of interpersonal communication, introducing artificial entities as relational partners rather than mere facilitators of human-to-human interaction. This exploratory study examines the interplay of machine gendering, self-disclosure, perceived partner responsiveness (PPR), and interpersonal satisfaction within human-AI interactions. Participants engaged in conversations with gendered AI companions through the program Replika, completed structured surveys, and participated in qualitative interviews. Findings indicate that users' willingness to self-disclose was influenced by their perceptions of AI responsiveness, while gendered characteristics of AI significantly shaped user expectations and communication patterns. Specifically, users often attributed distinct personality …

More Than Players, More Than Coaches: Institutional Agents And Youth Development In Urban And Suburban Minority-Majority Neighborhoods, Rainah N. Folk

Theses and Dissertations

Institutional agents play a crucial role in shaping youth development. While the institutional agent framework is well established in postsecondary research, less is known about its role during mid-adolescence. Using relational ethnography and responsive interviewing, this study compares an urban and a suburban high school in minority-majority neighborhoods in Cook County, Illinois, to explore how development is influenced through relationships between sport coaches and high school athletes. Athletes in both contexts face significant challenges tied to neighborhood conditions and socioeconomic status. In response, coaches form deeply caring and supportive relationships, though their roles diverge in ways shaped by their urban …

The Elemental Analysis Of Groundstone Celts From Noble-Wieting Using The Pxrf: A Provenance Study, Julian A. Marvel

Theses and Dissertations

Groundstone axes, or celts, were prehistoric stone tools used for chopping, cutting, or woodworking. Made from hard stone like basalt or granite, it was shaped by grinding and polishing rather than flaking, giving it a smooth, durable surface. Celts typically have a tapered edge and were often hafted onto wooden handles or used by hand. They were common in Neolithic cultures around the world and served both practical and sometimes ceremonial purposes. In this thesis, I analyze celts from Noble-Wieting (11ML24), a 14th-century Langford tradition village in McLean County, Illinois.

Specifically, my research addresses the following questions about these groundstone …

Navigating Acculturation: Opportunities, Challenges, And Community Support For African Immigrants In The U.S., Sharitah Nalule

Theses and Dissertations

African immigrants in the United States encounter complex acculturation challenges that are often shaped by systemic barriers such as language exclusion, financial insecurity, limited employment access, and time-restricted support services. This qualitative study explores how African immigrants experience the acculturation process and how community-based programs support or fall short in supporting their acculturation. Semi-structured individual interviews with Somali immigrants and community practitioners in the Midwest. While most African immigrant narratives reflect the experiences of Somali immigrants, practitioners provide insight into the broader African immigrant population based on their work with diverse African immigrant clients. Findings revealed three central themes: (1) …

Attitudes And Perceptions Toward The Qassimi Dialect, Fahad M. Alwehaibi

Theses and Dissertations

This study explores attitudes and perceptions surrounding the Qassimi dialect within Saudi Arabia. It addresses two primary questions: What are the attitudes of Qassimi speakers toward their own dialect? and What are the perceptions of non-Qassimi Saudi citizens regarding the Qassimi dialect in terms of stereotypes and its speakers? To investigate these questions, the research employed two population-specific surveys—one for Qassimi speakers and another for non-Qassimi participants—alongside semi-structured interviews with selected Qassimi individuals to gain deeper qualitative insights. The findings reveal that Qassimi speakers generally express strong pride and a positive emotional connection to their dialect, viewing it as a …

Exploring The Interplay Of Health-Related Psychological Constructs, Health Promotion Programs, And Work Outcomes: A Two-Study Approach, Peyton Anderson

Theses and Dissertations

Health and wellness initiatives have become central components within modern workplaces. A growing emphasis on maintaining and improving personal health and wellness has clear effects in professional environments as health promotion programs are increasingly implemented. This project aims to uncover the psychological constructs that are targeted and influenced by such programs. Specifically, these studies examine the influence of health messaging on individual levels of health anxiety and health consciousness and investigate how those constructs interact with attendance and health-related outcomes. Additionally, information regarding an employees’ organizational commitment was gathered to examine its’ potential impact. The thesis further elaborates on the …

Experienscape And The Interior Environment: A Case Study At A Bar With Entertainment, Paige J. Hendrickson

Theses and Dissertations

The goal of this study was to understand what aspects of the interior environment at a bar with bowling affect customers’ willingness to return and word-of-mouth sharing. The dimensions of the experiencescape model were used to guide the research, focusing on sensory, functional, social, and hospitality culture. A mixed qualitative methods approach was used, combining observations, focus group interviews, and moment maps to investigate customer comfort, satisfaction, excitement, memorability, and the difference in one’s perception of their experience based on ethnicity. It was found that the unique atmosphere, price, staff, and diversity were the main reasons customers returned or shared …

Perceptions And Treatment Decisions For A Drug Offender Based On Social Class, Cocaine Type, Personal Characteristics, And Compassionate Love: A Vignette Study, Yasmin A. Odeh

Theses and Dissertations

Problem: The shift from a focus on rehabilitation to the more punitive, “tough on crime” approach to illegal behavior in the U.S. has been enacted in no small way by policies connected to the use and abuse of drugs. The disparities between crack and powder cocaine—two chemically similar substances—have headlined this shift (Vagins and McCurdy 2006). However, research is scarce on laypeople’s approval of deterrence approaches for drug offenses, including as a function of types (e.g., powder vs. cocaine possession). This study examined people’s perceptions of prosecutorial decisions for drug offenders—whether they are punished, rehabilitated, or both—and whether people perceived …

Savior To Ally: Exploring White Students' Decisions To Major In Social Work Through The Lens Of White Saviorism, Amy S. Dennison

Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative study explored how white students chose social work as a major and how white savior ideology reinforced or challenged students’ choices. The study contributes to a gap in the literature regarding white saviorism and social work education. Using a phenomenological approach, data were collected through semi-structured interviews from five undergraduate social work students at one Midwestern state university. Transcripts were analyzed thematically using Moustakas’ data analysis for phenomenology framework. The findings revealed that participants chose social work because of an intent to help others, as well as a desire for their work to have a meaningful impact. White …

Cultural Identity In Mental Health Services And Helpseeking Behaviours Among African International Students, Mark Ofosu Asirifi

Theses and Dissertations

Acculturation stress impacts international students’ psychological well-being and academic success, yet research on African students remains limited. For African international students, this stress is intensified by cultural stigma surrounding mental health services, deterring help-seeking due to fears of judgment and ostracization. This identity negotiation complicates their willingness to access support, reinforcing cultural barriers to mental health care. This study explores how cultural identity shapes the mental health perceptions and help-seeking behaviors of African international students in the United States. Grounded in the Communication Theory of Identity (CTI) and the Health Belief Model (HBM), the research examines how acculturative stress, stigma, …

Barriers To Mental Health Among International Students: Identifying Challenges And Developing Support Strategies For Depressive Symptoms, Esi Tb Afful

Theses and Dissertations

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine barriers to mental health service utilization among international students, with a specific focus on challenges related to depressive symptoms and their coping mechanisms. The study also sought to identify factors that influence international students’ engagement with mental health resources.

Method: A total of 30 international students enrolled at a midwestern university participated in this mixed-methods study. Data were collected through an online survey, which included both closed- and open-ended questions. The quantitative portion of the survey assessed demographics, cultural and immigration challenges, mental health service utilization, and social support. Hierarchical multiple …

Marks Of Heritage: Chicana Tattoo Artists Navigating Gender, Culture, And Artistic Expression In "Men's Work", Ryleigh Hickman

Theses and Dissertations

Art, and tattoos especially, have been fundamental in creating and articulating an identity for Chicanos within the United States. Yet, for much of the history of Chicano style tattoos, Chicana/xs were not free to engage with them in the same way that Chicanos were. In many regards, their entrance into these spaces was restricted (Santos 2009). However, recently with the growing interest in tattoo art and career opportunities, the industry has expanded significantly, creating more opportunities for a broader range of individuals. This research aims to explore how young Chicana/x and Latina tattoo artists now accessing these spaces navigate and …

Differential Effects Of Health Insurance Coverage On Health For Sexual Minorities, Ruby W. Morr

Theses and Dissertations

Much existing research has found a substantial gap in health between sexual minorities and non-minorities. This is usually attributed to discrimination or access to care. I seek to find the role that insurance plays, including minorities' choices of insurance coverage. If a gap does exist, insurance may have a stronger impact on sexual minorities. Also, if minorities are less likely to have insurance coverage, they may be susceptible to worse health. I confirm results from the literature that sexual minorities do have worse health. While health insurance accounts for some of the gap, it is only a small portion, though …

Listening To The Body: Attunement And Advocacy In Women's Experiences Of Endometriosis, Rebekah E. Greenslaugh

Theses and Dissertations

Endometriosis is a chronic, inflammatory condition in which tissue similar to the endometrial lining grows outside the uterus, leading to severe pain, fatigue, and other debilitating symptoms. Despite its significant impact on daily life, many women with endometriosis report that their symptoms are dismissed in medical encounters, as their pain is minimized or normalized as an inherent aspect of womanhood. This medical dismissal, combined with a lack of definitive diagnostic tools and effective treatments, leads many to turn to online support communities to make sense of their symptoms, share experiences, and develop ways to cope with the condition. Drawing on …

Assessing Brazil’S Economic Trajectory Post Democracy: A Synthetic Control Approach To The 1985 Transition, Mohammad Saqlain Khurshid

Theses and Dissertations

Brazil’s democratic transition in 1985 marked a pivotal moment in its political and economic history. Following 21 years of military rule, the transition introduced sweeping political reforms amidst significant economic instability. This study examines the causal impact of democratization on Brazil’s economic trajectory using the Synthetic Control Method (SCM). By constructing a synthetic counterfactual, this research estimates the economic effects of democratization. The findings suggest a negative impact of democratization on the per capita GDP of Brazil, amounting to an average annual reduction of approximately $887 per year during 15 years following the democratization. However, this effect is not statistically …

Emergent Leadership: A Study Of Ethiopian And Eritrean Diaspora Leaders, Bethel Zelalem

Theses and Dissertations

This study explores the lived experiences of young Ethiopian and Eritrean diaspora leaders in the United States who have been recognized by others as embodying emergent leadership. The research was inspired by the firsthand observations of a gap in leadership representation and recognition among first- and second-generation East African diaspora young adults, particularly those navigating bicultural identities and intergenerational tension. Guided by Borderland Theory (Anzaldúa, 1987) and Emergent Leadership Theory (Bormann, 1972; Mumford et al., 2002), the study explored how young adult Ethiopian and Eritrean diaspora members in the United States, nominated as embodying emergent leadership by their communities, experience …

Social Media Strategy For The Continuing And Professional Education Program, Kayla Ford

Theses and Dissertations

Continuing and Professional Education (CPE) allows adults to pursue professional or personal development opportunities outside of a college degree. When it came to marketing these opportunities, CPE relied more on traditional marketing from a lack of digital marketing professionals, creating a weak social media presence. To help elevate their social media presence, a social media marketing strategy approach was utilized to improve CPE’s digital presence by setting objectives that focus on engagement, awareness, and as well as a campaign that focuses on the importance of continuing education. Data from research studies and professional articles specializing in digital marketing directed what …

Riverside Readings: Audio Drama Development And Implementation Plan, Trent P. Mylie

Theses and Dissertations

The current state of media includes broadcasting, podcasting, and a new yet familiar form of accessible media through streaming. Numerous examples illustrate the significance of broadcasting and counter the notion that it is a niche or outdated form of media. Younger generations, including mine, have grown up in an era rich in media, witnessing the dawn and resurgence of formats that once seemed lost. As we transition into a collegiate environment, we seek to channel our creativity through a medium; for us, that medium is radio and podcasting. Riverside Readings allows individuals to explore their creative passions and engage in …

Understanding Women’S Attitudes Toward Midwifery Practices For Maternal Care In Middle Georgia, Kristen M. Simpson

Theses and Dissertations

Compared to other high-income countries, women in the United States are more likely to die from problems related to pregnancy and childbirth. In Georgia, maternal mortality is particularly acute. Midwifery models of maternal care have been shown to produce positive pregnancy and childbirth outcomes for patients, but these services are underutilized in Georgia. This study sought to identify women’s attitudes toward midwifery, what contributed to those attitudes, and what influenced women in Middle Georgia to seek midwifery services using a qualitative, Grounded Theory approach. Three participants who self-identified as having used a midwife before were interviewed using a semi-structured protocol. …

Lights, Camera, Action: A Student's Perspective On Reimagining Film Production Opportunities, Ma'lon I. Lane

Theses and Dissertations

The pursuit of a crew job in the film industry is a multifaceted endeavor, offering various pathways that cater to diverse aspirations and circumstances. Central to this exploration is the question of whether attending a university and obtaining a degree in film is essential for success. I was determined to answer the following: What is the likelihood that a higher education in Film Production leads to more efficient job acquisition in the film industry? The project is considered narrative, originating from the personal quality of the research questions. I used my resources to gather qualitative data through interviews of film …

Correlations Between Parasocial Tendencies And Self-Esteem Among Romance Readers, Evelyn Smith

Theses and Dissertations

The present study evaluated the correlations between romance readership and paralove strength, as well as paralove strength with self-esteem. With the popularization of the romance genre, previous qualitative studies have shown that readers of romance books receive mood benefits from consuming these novels, as well as social benefits that they apply to their real-life relationships. Additionally, low self-esteem has been shown to have a major effect on relationship satisfaction and the perception of rejection with real-life relationships, but not parasocial relationships. The researcher hypothesized that as romance readership increased, so too would paralove scores, and that as paralove scores increased, …

Exploring Career Advancement Experiences Of Black Women In The National Used Car Industry, Christina Anderson

Theses and Dissertations

Black women’s workplace experiences in the national used car industry affect their career advancement opportunities. How can we account for these experiences and outcomes? Using intersectionality as a theoretical framework, this thesis examines how overlapping identities, such as race and gender, intersect to create unique experiences of oppression or privilege. Intersectionality as a theoretical framework can also explain the double marginalization that Black women often experience in specific industries, as the stereotypes associated with their race and gender combine and contribute to fewer opportunities for career advancement. As a result, Black women must be diligent when confronted with the stereotypes …

Critical Success Factors For U.S. Fintech Startups In The Post-Covid-19 Era: Applying The Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Framework, Wen Hua

Theses and Dissertations

The extradentary surge of financial technology (fintech) enterprises has fundamentally transformed contemporary financial markets, yet extant scholarly literature exhibits a notable absence of a unified and theoretically grounded framework for explicating fintech startups’ success (Hamza et al., 2025). This dissertation addresses this theoretical lacuna by synthesizing an integrative entrepreneurial ecosystem framework to illustrate the critical success factors (CSFs) that catalyze fintech venture performance (Conley, 2014). Drawing upon established theoretical foundations, this research employs a multi-method research design, and develops a comprehensive framework for fintech startup companies’ success. The methodological approach commenced with a systematic meta-analysis of theoretical paradigms, establishing a …