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Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons

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Full-Text Articles in Social and Behavioral Sciences

Experiences Of Ptsd Sufferers Who Participate In Internet-Based Virtual World Activities In Desktop Virtual Reality Environments, Colleen Margaret Crary Jan 2020

Experiences Of Ptsd Sufferers Who Participate In Internet-Based Virtual World Activities In Desktop Virtual Reality Environments, Colleen Margaret Crary

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Treatments for posttraumatic stress have remained largely static for 3 decades, resulting in low recovery rates, high degrees of retrogression, and noncompliance by patients, calling for new approaches for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treatment. This qualitative phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of people with PTSD who participate in Desktop Virtual Reality Environments (DVREs). The research questions asked about the lived experiences of adults with PTSD who use the DVRE, and what they perceive as changes in their narratives about PTSD through their use of the DVRE. Twenty-three participants responded to a 10-item, open-ended questionnaire. Findings show that although each …


Does Counselor Type Affect A Manualized Treatment?, Cynthia C. Kay Jan 2020

Does Counselor Type Affect A Manualized Treatment?, Cynthia C. Kay

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This quantitative study was to determine whether there are differences in client treatment outcomes based upon the type of counselor who conducted an empirically supported treatment called Seeking Safety for persons diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder and substance use disorder. Many studies show that counselors’ personal attributes impact treatment; however, this study added to the literature by focusing on a standardized treatment for the co-occurrence disorder of substance use and posttraumatic stress disorder. Archival data from an outpatient treatment facility was used. Clients were provided integrated services, which included psychological and substance use treatment. The participants/clients were men and women …


Perceptions Of Organizational Support Among Social Workers Exposed To Vicarious Trauma, Paula Denise Downie Jan 2020

Perceptions Of Organizational Support Among Social Workers Exposed To Vicarious Trauma, Paula Denise Downie

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Repeated exposure to clients’ trauma has led to secondary or vicarious emotional distress for social workers, which has negatively impacted their professional and personal lives. The purpose of this qualitative action research study was to explore social workers’ perceptions of organizational support of social workers with symptoms of vicarious trauma. Ecological systems theory provided the framework for the study. The sample consisted of 6 clinical licensed social workers who participated in 2 focus group sessions, one with 4 participants and one with 2 participants. Data were inductively coded and analyzed to identify patterns and themes. Findings indicated that social workers …


Factors Affecting Commitment For Military Couples, Laura Villalobos Garza Jan 2020

Factors Affecting Commitment For Military Couples, Laura Villalobos Garza

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The reintegration process for combat veterans is challenging not only for soldiers but also for their spouses and family members. The purpose of this quantitative study was to examine factors affecting relationship commitment in military couples in which a service member has shown signs of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Sternberg’s triangular theory of love provided the framework for the study. Independent variables were passion, intimacy, age, and social support, and the dependent variable was commitment. Survey data were collected from 116 participants using Sternberg’s Triangular Love Scale and the Multidimensional Perceived Social Support Scale. The results of multiple linear regression …


Veterans' Perceptions Of Behavioral Health Services For Posttraumatic Stress, Larence Kirby Jan 2020

Veterans' Perceptions Of Behavioral Health Services For Posttraumatic Stress, Larence Kirby

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Behavioral health services exist for Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF)/Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) veterans diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD); yet, untreated diagnoses may lead to the risk of compromised behavioral health. The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to understand the lived experiences of OEF/OIF veterans regarding their decision to seek and retain behavioral health services for addressing PTSD. The research focus and questions were employed through the theoretical concepts of Heidegger’s hermeneutic phenomenological theory, Heider’s attribution theory, and Beck’s cognitive behavioral theory. In-person interviews were conducted to collect data from 8 OEF/OIF veterans who had encounters with behavioral …


Compassion Fatigue And Police Use Of Force, Amanda K. Devan Jan 2020

Compassion Fatigue And Police Use Of Force, Amanda K. Devan

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Compassion fatigue is a natural response to caring, where burnout and exhaustion result from helping professions which includes police officers. Exposure to trauma and stress increases the risk of developing compassion fatigue in helper professions and may have negative implications on overall mental health and physical well-being. However, not much is known about the behavioral effects of compassion fatigue among police officers during use-of-force incidents. The purpose of this study was to examine whether compassion fatigue in police officers is predictive of use-of- force incidents. The theoretical foundation was Figley’s theory of compassion satisfaction and compassion fatigue. Survey data were …


Lived Experience Of Veterans With Service-Linked Ptsd Utilizing Non-Clinical Employment Programs, Reina Diana Cubbage Jan 2020

Lived Experience Of Veterans With Service-Linked Ptsd Utilizing Non-Clinical Employment Programs, Reina Diana Cubbage

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Currently, employment programs for veterans focus heavily on the clinical nature of veterans with service-linked PTSD, with little to no focus on the lived experience of non-clinical employment programs. The purpose of this qualitative study explored the lived experience of male veterans with service-linked PTSD utilizing non-clinical employment programs designed to assist them in finding and maintaining employment while transitioning from the military into the civilian workforce. This study utilized an explanatory case study design with a sample of 8 male combat veterans with service-linked PTSD who have utilized non-clinical employment programs. Data for this study were collected through interviews …