Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

African American Women Employed In The Education Sector Who Have Biological Children With Mental Health Or Behavioral Problems: A Qualitative Phenomenological Study, Cynthia Henderson Porter

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This phenomenological study is purposed to identify and describe the lived experiences of African American mothers employed in a pre-K-12 public school district in Virginia who have biological children with mental health or behavioral problems. The study was qualitative, as this method allowed challenges to be explored personally and humanistically. The theory guiding this study is social constructivism, as it relates to African American mothers’ views of their experiences in the work setting; the assumed perception of colleagues, administrators, and others; and challenges at work pertaining to limitations in functioning, performance, and interpersonal stressors that mothers may encounter. The central …

Human Resources Impact On Person-Environment Fit And Job Performance: A Single Case Study Design, Constance J. Mitchell

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Person-environment (PE) fit is central to the interactional psychology (IP) theory, which is the behavioral consequences of the interface between individuals and their environment. According to both PE fit and IP theories, employee motivation, job satisfaction, and job performance are enhanced when individuals are compatible with various aspects of the workplace. In this single-subject, bounded case study, the researcher explored HR’s influence on job performance and person-organization, person-job, and person-supervisor fit. The sole participant is a subject matter expert with over 35 years of experience in HR-related fields. The study procedures consisted of four interview sessions, an observational/field study, and …

A Phenomenological And Transcendental Study Of The Lived Experiences Of Mental Health Practitioners Acquiring The Competencies To Become A Sandtray Therapy Practitioner, Deborah Kay Webb-Johnson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative, phenomenological, transcendental study was to describe the lived experiences of 16 mental health practitioners in North America who acquired competencies through various training programs or certification courses to proficiently integrate sandtray therapy as a cross-theoretical approach. Through semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions, participants described how they developed the competencies and standards to integrate sandtray therapy as a cross-theoretical approach with diverse populations, while also engaging in dialogue about the need for greater governance and regulation of training programs. The theoretical framework for this study was based on Husserl’s theory of transcendental phenomenology and the …

Divine Intervention Emphasized In Ptsd Treatment Strategies, Zachary R. Kuster

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study examined how theological concepts might enhance PTSD treatment outcomes by challenging existing paradigms within evidence-based interventions. While some therapeutic models acknowledge the value of integrating theological concepts within treatment, little empirical evidence explains how emphasizing the theological concepts that may already exist within evidence-based strategies may enhance the overall efficacy of treatment. In this study, an experimental group received strategies emphasizing grace, hope, and forgiveness, while a control group received strategies without these emphases. The PCL-5 psychometric assessment tool was used to measure changes across two 4-week PTSD programs that incorporated 48 strategies from the same four therapeutic …

The Influence Of Leadership Development On Organizational Citizenship Behavior: Moderated By Leader-Member Exchange, Christopher Houston

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This research study addressed the problem of lacking leadership development in the higher education industry and the reduction of organizational citizenship behavior (OCB). Increasing demands on higher education resulted in a need for improved leadership acumen across the industry, but inefficient and lacking development persists. This study evaluated a regional higher education institution of higher education in the Southwest to better understand how specific leadership development opportunities relate to organizational behavior. The research utilized the 24-item OCB survey and the LMX-7 survey to capture participant responses in combination with different leadership development participation responses. The findings indicated that while leadership …

A Case Study Exploring Lecanemab Antibody Infusion And Reminiscence Therapy For Early Alzheimer’S Disease, Martina Masry

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This case study examined whether a 12-month combined therapy (RT-L), which includes reminiscence therapy and lecanemab monoclonal antibody infusion therapy, will clear beta amyloid accumulation in the brain, slow cognitive decline, decrease depression, reduce anxiety, and increase the quality of life in a participant with mild cognitive impairment due to early Alzheimer’s dementia. The sample included one White female (age = 68) with mild cognitive impairment due to early Alzheimer’s disease who is currently being treated by a geriatrician at a facility in the Midwest. The outpatient treatment included a lecanemab antibody infusion of 10mg/kg every two weeks for 12 …

Ministerial Perspectives On Approaches To Caring For A Traumatized Congregant To Enhance Spiritual Development, Tonya B. Perry

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe experienced Christian Ministers’ experiences caring for a traumatized congregant from various countries worldwide. The criterion for participation was an experienced minister with 15 years of experience, at least 40 years old, and who ministered to three types of traumas. The two main theories guiding this study were Bowlby’s (1969, 1982) attachment theory and Fowler’s (1981) development of faith with references to Erickson’s (1958/1962) psychosocial development, Maslow’s (1954) Hierarchy, and cognitive behavior theory (Beck, 1952; Ellis, 1962). The three main research questions were: How does an experienced Christian minister describe their experiences …

Identification Of Optimal Knowledge Transfer Methods From Generation X To Millennials, Maria Nanci Denmark

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative study uses a descriptive phenomenological approach to examine the experience and insights of Generation X and Millennial software engineers employed by the United States government on their preferred methods for tacit knowledge transfer. Phenomenological examination allows for the structured exploration and documentation of common themes and fundamental structures across the generational cohorts. Participants were selected based on inclusion criteria that produced a sample that shared common training and career paths split evenly across the two generations. Using Colaizzi’s Seven Step Method for analysis, the researcher led semi-structured interviews producing data that provided a clear description of the themes …

Grief Disrupted: A Phenomenological Study Of How African Americans Experienced Grief Without Traditional Rituals During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Jacqueline Williamson-Webb

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

In recent times, the dominant psychological understanding of grief is as an emotion (Gravesen & Birkelund, 2021; Meiselman, 2021). However, grief is also socially constructed, meaning that the emotions and behaviors labeled as grief have their beginning in the social space. Grief, then, is a performative act shaped by cultural traditions and public rituals (Murrell et al., 2023). Consequently, the purpose of this interpretative phenomenological study is to understand the lived grief experiences of African Americans (AAs) living in New Jersey who experienced a personal loss through the death of another person during the COVID-19 pandemic. Erving Goffman’s dramaturgy guides …

Exploring The Intersection Of Spiritual Principles And Mental Health Counseling: Mitigating The Risks Of Spiritual Bypass Through Critical Analysis, Norma Y. Galván-Téllez

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This phenomenological research's objective was to show how spiritual bypass (SB) phenomenon occurs in individuals in the context of trauma avoidance. The research focused on investigating the underlying dynamics of how religion and spirituality may be used to bypass emotional healing and how specific religious and spiritual practices can be joined into mental health counseling (MHC) to enrich therapeutic outcomes. By investigating these frameworks, the research attempted to offer new discoveries into the challenging dynamics between SB and effects of mental health interventions. The theoretical groundwork of this study was transpersonal psychology, developed by Stanislav Grof—an area of psychology that …

Mental Health Impacts On African Refugees, Michelle Mailhiot

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative study explores the mental health impacts of African refugee women traveling with children under the age of 18 during migration to Europe through Morocco, a key yet under examined transit country. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological case study was to examine the lived experiences of distress, coping, and barriers to mental health support. Twenty participants were recruited through local NGOs and community networks in Morocco, and data were collected through semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis was employed to identify recurring patterns across participants’ narratives including hunger, homelessness, and exploitation intensifying psychological strain, particularly in relation to caregiving responsibilities …

A Qualitative Intrinsic Case Study For A Christian Marriage Mentorship Program In Kentucky, Victoria Barbour

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this intrinsic qualitative case study was to explore the marriage mentorship program of Glory Carriers Church (pseudonym) a non-denominational Christian ministry in central Kentucky to be a larger model for other churches that may also have or want to build their marriage mentorship program. The theories guiding this study are social constructivism therapy, the wraparound model, solution focused therapy, emotion focused therapy and last, the Gottman Method: Sound relationship house. The central research question asked, “What programs does Glory Carriers Church provide for married couples?” with Sub-question 1 that asked, “How does this program provide wraparound support …

Retrospective Adult Bullying Role Trend Analysis With Correlational Investigation Between The Victim Role And Stigma-Based Demographic Information, Shilowe A. Ensminger

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

A longstanding social construct that has negatively impacted large numbers of individuals throughout generations is bullying. Despite anti-bullying programs and policies, current literature indicates that bullying is an ongoing concern throughout schools and in the workplace. The consequences of bullying have been shown to impact the mental and physical health of those involved with potentially severe outcomes. Current literature focuses on analysis of childhood bullying experiences, leaving a gap in the research investigating adult reflective bullying trends. The purpose of this quantitative, non-experimental survey, and causal-comparative study was to address this gap by recruiting adult participants for a reflective analysis …

Millennials, Work Motivation, And Leadership Transition, Ngozi Maduagwu

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The workforce has evolved and this path was accelerated by the aftermath of the global COVID pandemic starting 2019. Traditionalist and Baby Boomer employees have been rapidly transitioning out of the workforce, which has created a need to find motivated workers and leaders to fill vacated positions. Millennials have been surveyed for their potential to fill these leadership vacuums, yet the research suggested that they present differently from other generational cohorts in terms of their motivation to work and their motivation to lead in the workplace. The purpose of this mixed methods study was to determine whether any relationship could …

Exploring The Relationship Between Becoming A Parent, Goal Orientation, And Productivity, Among Self-Employed Entrepreneurs, Andrew Dean East

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This quantitative study explored the relationship between parenting status and goal orientation and productivity among self-employed entrepreneurs. Using a sample of 471 participants, the study compared entrepreneurs with and without children under five years of age living at home to examine group differences, relational patterns, and potential moderation effects. No statistically significant differences were found in goal orientation or productivity between parents and non-parents, indicating that early-stage parenting does not inherently hinder these traits. However, a small but statistically significant positive correlation was observed between goal orientation and productivity, suggesting that individuals with higher internal motivation reported slightly greater productivity, …

Ancient Astronaut Theory And Christian Belief Among Evangelical Millennials: A Quantitative Exploratory Cross-Sectional Study, Richard Barry Bazzell

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative, exploratory, non-experimental, cross-sectional study was to explore the possible influence of the Ancient Astronaut Theory upon Evangelical Christian millennials in the aspects of their biblical worldview, belief in the triune God, and Christian praxis. The researcher structured the study upon four pillars: (a) Evangelical millennials, (b) Evangelical theology, (c) Lev Vygotsky’s social constructivism, and (d) Eric Von Däniken’s Ancient Astronaut Theory. The study population was Evangelical millennials in the state of Texas. The study’s instrumentation was a researcher-designed 5-point Likert scale survey titled Ancient Astronaut Theory–Evangelical Christian Millennials (AAT–ECM). Because the respondents were fewer in …

Research Review: "Experiences Of Women And Minoritized Us Military Veteran Business Owners: Descriptive Evidence On "Vetrepreneur" Survival And Growth, Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University

Institute for Veterans and Military Families

This research examines the survival and growth of U.S. veteran-owned businesses, focusing on gender and race disparities. Using longitudinal microdata from 1976–2019, the study reveals that veteran-owned firms exhibit higher survival rates, greater revenues, and strong payroll performance compared to nonveteran businesses, though they experience lower employment growth. Women veterans show notable resilience, suggesting military experience helps mitigate gender gaps in entrepreneurship. Findings highlight the need for targeted policies, such as improved access to capital and workforce planning, to support scaling among women and minority veteran entrepreneurs. The study provides critical insights for policymakers and future research on vetrepreneurship.

Movement Lab Lunchtime Presentations: Hunter Whitaker-Morrow | Poster, Hunter Whitaker-Morrow, Movement Lab

Personal Work

No abstract provided.

Target Consumers For Bottled Mild Salsa, Makaylie Langford, Kynda R. Curtis, Karin E. Allen, Ruby Ward

All Current Publications

In the fall of 2024, researchers at Utah State University (USU) studied western U.S. consumer preferences and willingness to pay for regionally sourced processed food products. Researchers examined consumer preferences, purchasing habits, and pricing for three processed food products, one of which was bottled mild salsa (16-ounce bottle). This fact sheet describes the target market (consumer group) for bottled mild salsa. Target consumers were identified as those who consume salsa at least several times weekly.

Divine Intervention: The Effects Of Repairing Attachment Insecurities With God On Ptsd Symptomology In Adult Survivors Of Childhood Trauma, Erica M. Duckworth

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Childhood trauma occurs when an individual under the age of 18 survives a perceived life-threatening event. To circumvent future danger, numerous developmental changes occur in response to fear, manifesting in a multitude of symptoms. A culmination of symptoms results in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), a debilitating condition that arises from the hypervigilance of the brain and body to environmental stimuli. A recurring state of fear can lead to isolation, negatively affecting social interactions. Expectations of relationships, also known as attachment styles, reflect the bonds created between a child and a parent or caregiver. The quality of this foundational relationship can …

Understanding Firefighter Culture And Mental Health, Alyssa G. Chirillo

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative study, using a grounded theory approach, explores the lived experiences of firefighters, the cultural dynamics within the firefighting profession, and the stigma surrounding mental health, particularly post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), among this group. Drawing on previous research, the study examines how exposure to vicarious trauma, the roles and responsibilities of firefighters, and the inherent risks of the profession shape attitudes toward mental health treatment. The research investigates explicitly whether firefighter culture and lived experiences influence the pursuit of mental health support. Participants from the Summerville Fire Department in Summerville, South Carolina, were recruited voluntarily. Data were collected through …

Mental Illness And The Role Of The Church, Shelle Mathis

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Mental illness remains a growing concern in society, prompting increased focus on the church’s role in offering support. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to explore the beliefs, attitudes, and perceptions of pastors and congregants regarding mental illness and the stigmas associated with it. Sixteen adult participants, ages 31 to 65, from churches in Elyria and Lorain, Ohio, were interviewed through semi-structured questions. Thematic analysis revealed five key themes: stigma, overspiritualization, education and training, collaboration with mental health professionals, and resource accessibility and advocacy needs. Pastors with lived experience of mental illness expressed greater empathy and recognized the …

Exploring Student Perceptions Of Higher-Education Social Media Presence: A Qualitative Descriptive Study Through The Lens Of The Theory Of Interactive Media Effects, Bobby Mikel

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

As higher-education institutions (HEIs) compete for prospective students in an increasingly saturated digital environment, effective communication on social media has become both essential and challenging. Guided by the cybernetic communication tradition and the theory of interactive media effects (TIME), this qualitative descriptive study explored how students perceived and engaged with social media content produced by HEIs. The study utilized a qualitative survey to explore students’ perceptions of social media content produced by an HEI in the southeastern United States. Additionally, a content analysis of social media posts was conducted to examine how the HEI engages with students. Findings revealed that …

Promoting Leadership To Enhance Safety In Aircraft Maintenance: A Phenomenological Study Of Aviation Technical Operations, Komi Tete

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to explore how leadership styles affect the safety practices and overall performance of aircraft maintenance technicians (AMTs) in aviation Technical Operations (TechOps) environments. The study built on previous research indicating that safe and efficient aircraft operations depend on numerous technical and social processes. It focused on the comprehensive lived experiences of AMTs as they related to leadership influence on safety. The transformational leadership theory and safety culture theory guided the study, aligning with the inquiry by explaining how leaders could influence the behavior, motivation, and safety practices of AMTs. Ensuring the safety …

Factors Shaping Policy For Cybersecurity Resilience In Critical Infrastructure (Ci) Organizations: Proposing An Adaptive Cyber Resilience Policy Model (Acrpm), Raymond Pythias Friedman

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study examines the factors that influence cybersecurity resilience in private critical infrastructure (CI) organizations, with a focus on governance structures, internal controls, employee attitudes, and cybersecurity capabilities. Although the empirical focus is on private-sector entities, the findings bear significant implications for public policy, given the societal reliance on CI sectors such as energy, telecommunications, and water. Employing a convergent mixed-methods design, the study synthesizes quantitative survey data from cybersecurity professionals with qualitative case studies of CI organizations.

The analysis reveals that internal controls and employee attitudes are the most salient predictors of organizational resilience. Governance exerts an indirect influence …

Black Men’S Experiences Of Intergenerational Trauma And Identity Development: A Phenomenological Study, Richard N. Tabb

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative phenomenological study explored how Black men exposed to intergenerational trauma describe their experiences of identity development. Grounded in Vivian Rakoff’s Intergenerational Trauma Theory and William Cross’s Nigrescence Theory, the study employed a transcendental phenomenological design to examine how trauma is transmitted across generations and its implications for Black male identity. This research addresses a critical gap in the mental health field, particularly regarding the historical roots of trauma and their impact on contemporary counseling practices. Findings revealed that the enduring legacy of historical trauma rooted in slavery, systemic racism, and ongoing forms of oppression continues to profoundly shape …

Target Consumers For Bottled Tart Cherry Juice, Kynda R. Curtis, Makaylie Langford, Karin E. Allen, Ruby Ward

All Current Publications

A study was conducted by Utah State University (USU) in the fall of 2024 to determine western U.S. consumer preferences and willingness to pay for regionally sourced processed food products. Researchers examined consumer preferences, purchasing habits, and pricing for three processed food products, one of which was bottled tart cherry juice (32-ounce bottle). This fact sheet describes the target market (consumer group) for bottled tart cherry juice. Target consumers were identified as those who consume tart cherry juice at least several times weekly.

U.S. West Consumer Preferences For Specialty Labeled Processed Foods, Kynda R. Curtis, Makaylie Langford, Karin E. Allen, Ruby Ward

All Current Publications

In the United States, consumer demand for specialty processed foods is increasingly centered on natural, organic, and local offerings that represent health and ethical values. This fact sheet provides an overview of a Utah State University study showing respondent preferences for specialty labeled processed foods. Specifically, consumer knowledge and familiarity with various specialty production and labeling programs, including organic, local, grass-fed, and non-GMO, were examined, along with specialty food consumption habits and attitudes. Finally, consumer pricing preferences for each of the three processed products examined are discussed. The information included in this fact sheet can be used by producers, food …

U.S. West Consumer Processed Food Preferences And Consumption Habits, Makaylie Langford, Kynda R. Curtis, Karin E. Allen, Ruby Ward

All Current Publications

This fact sheet provides an overview of study results, including respondent demographics, common lifestyle and food behaviors, product characteristics, labeling preferences, and processed food purchasing and consumption habits. Producers, food manufacturers, and processors can use the information included in this fact sheet to inform their decision-making related to product development, pricing, placement, and promotion. Additional fact sheets in this series examine consumer preferences and willingness to pay for specialty labeled foods, as well as the impact of providing labeling information. Three fact sheets discuss target markets or consumer groups for each of the processed products examined.

Commodification, Spatialization, And Structuration In Collaboration Between Local Media And Local Government In West Java, Awang Ruswandi

JURNAL KOMUNIKASI INDONESIA

In the era of local government autonomy and decentralization, numerous collaborations have emerged between local governments and local media, particularly in reporting government activities. Utilizing Vincent Mosco's political economy of communication framework, this study aims to elucidate the power relations manifested through commodification, specialization, and structuration between local media and government. This qualitative case study gathers data through in-depth interviews. Findings reveal that local government media cooperation funds serve as a mechanism to secure special coverage spaces with positive content about governmental activities, not in the form of advertising or advertorial, but in the form of news. While financially beneficial …