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 …

Accuracy Matters: Evaluating The Value Of Ai Tools For Summaries In Metadata, Emily Baldoni, Angela Yon

Faculty and Staff Publications – Milner Library

Since the introduction of ChatGPT in 2022, the potential impact of Artificial Intelligence on library workflows has been a topic of immense interest—and sometimes anxiety—in the library profession. In the area of cataloging and metadata, one frequently cited potential use for AI (particularly Large Language Models (LLMs)) is constructing summaries and abstracts of information resources. However, very little systematic assessment has been done of the characteristics, quality, and utility of AI-generated abstracts for library materials, leaving information professionals with little evidence on which to make data-driven decisions as to how, if at all, to implement AI-assisted workflows for this aspect …

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 …

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 …

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, …

Mass Layoffs And Its Potential Security Risk, Riley M. Mcdonough

Cybersecurity Undergraduate Research Showcase

This research paper aims to understand the threats posed to the United States' protection of national security regarding the use of OSINT. This paper identifies the risks associated with displaying personal information, such as security clearances. Understanding the Potential national security risks that mass layoffs by Doge may cause. Examine how foreign actors exploit this information and how layoffs impact their efforts to recruit potential spies.

Practice Research Collaboratives: Promising Communities Of Research?, Sidsel Natland, Bowen Mcbeath, Heidi Muurinen, Marianne Wyder, Mike Austin

School of Social Work Faculty Publications and Presentations

Purpose: This article reflects an analysis of the establishment and development of the Practice Research Collaborative on Organizational Supports (PRC-OS) within the International Community of Practice Research. The basic thesis concerns the importance of building intersecting special interest groups to form communities of research practice.

Methods: The study is a qualitative case study, consisting of diverse data as written documents, field notes, and participative observation. A thematic and abductive analysis was conducted.

Results: Sharing of practices and knowledge, values and ethos are important factors to develop the PRC-OS, as is also negotiations on participation and organization. These themes are intertwined …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Extremism Governance In The United Arab Emirates: Acase Study Using Qualitative Policy Framework, Haya Saleh Almansoori

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

This thesis investigates how the United Arab Emirates governs extremism using various models of governance and Gareth Morgan’s metaphorical organizational models. This research goes beyond a focus on security, and looks at extremism as a governance and policy problem related to social cohesion, institutional trust, and legitimacy. The research utilizes a qualitiatve case study design through analyzing federal laws and national strategies, as well as institutional frameworks to understand how authority, coordination and meaning are organized in the UAE’s governance of extremism.

The results show that the UAE’s governance of extremism is characterized as a hybrid governance model with hierarchical …

Exploring Family-Friendly Policies In The Uae, Mariam Sultan Al Kaabi

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

The Family constitutes the fundamental pillar of societies, fostering stability and driving progress. However, contemporary families in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) face increasing challenges due to the growing participation of women in the labor market. While this shift reflects significant social and economic progress, it simultaneously intensifies the pressures on parents to reconcile professional and family responsibilities. Moreover, the scarcity of family-friendly policies (FFPs) exacerbates these challenges even further. This study explores the lived experiences of working parents with young children in the UAE, examining how existing workplace arrangements facilitate or hinder family engagement. A qualitative research design was …

Exploring Family-Friendly Policies In The Uae, Mariam Sultan Al Kaabi

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

The Family constitutes the fundamental pillar of societies, fostering stability and driving progress. However, contemporary families in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) face increasing challenges due to the growing participation of women in the labor market. While this shift reflects significant social and economic progress, it simultaneously intensifies the pressures on parents to reconcile professional and family responsibilities. Moreover, the scarcity of family-friendly policies (FFPs) exacerbates these challenges even further. This study explores the lived experiences of working parents with young children in the UAE, examining how existing workplace arrangements facilitate or hinder family engagement. A qualitative research design was …

Framing Sustainability Governance In Uae Federal Public Policies: An Interpretive Analysis, Fatima Ahmed Al Zaabi

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

This thesis explores the framing of sustainability by the UAE federal government through the public policy documents and legislation. The primary aim of this study is to map the integration of sustainability across key development sectors and identify the federal entities responsible for governing those mandates to understand the sustainability themes. This study employs a qualitative methodology using interpretive policy analysis through collecting official documented federal public policies and legislation from UAE Legislation Portal, using targeted keyword to trace development sectors coverage, federal entitles leading it and key sustainability themes. The findings reveal that UAE government frames sustainability not only …

The Uae's Role In Developing Strategies To Combat Money Laundering And Terrorism At The Local, Regional, And International Levels, Aisha Nabeel Alnaqbi

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

This thesis presents an analysis of the UAE's role in developing anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing strategies at the local, regional, and international levels, focusing on a key problem: whether current strategies are sufficient to address the complexities of financial crimes in the digital age and how their effectiveness can be improved. The study relies on a descriptive analytical approach that includes an analysis of official documents, legislation, and reports at the national and international levels, in addition to a chronological tracing of the country's policies from 2002 to 2025, and an institutional comparison across the three levels (local/regional/international). The …

Understanding Behavioral Patterns: A Case Study Of Emirati Ex-Offenders In United Arab, Salim Ali Al Naqbi

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

Research on desistance has helped criminologists to better understand how people change their criminal identity and exercise personal choice. Yet in the UAE, these ideas has not often been applied to prisoners serving one or multiple offenses, even though incarceration and reoffending remain important social concerns. Because of this, desistance theory has not been fully used to study how rehabilitation is managed in UAE prisons, which means that some useful lessons may be missed. This study begins to close that gap by looking at the personal stories of 15 Emirati participants that were formerly incarcerated by adapting a qualitative and …

Book Review: "Take Your Own Advice" By Jeffrey Marsh, Kristy Carlisle

Journal of Human Services Scholarship and Interprofessional Collaboration

This review examines Take Your Own Advice by Jeffrey Marsh as a teaching tool for cultivating ethical presence, mindfulness, and professional identity in human services and counseling education. Grounded in compassion-based, trauma-informed principles, Marsh’s eight guiding rules invite readers to shift from control and perfectionism toward authenticity, acceptance, and values-based living. These concepts directly reflect mindfulness and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) practices and expound upon self-compassion, boundary awareness, and cultural humility. Through workbook activities, students find ways to practice emotional regulation and ethical reflection. Drawing connections to the Council for Standards in Human Service Education (CSHSE) and Council for …

Co-Designing A Patient-Facing Version Of A Mental Healthcare Pathway For People Receiving Dialysis, Alexandra Albers, Charlotte Berendonk, Julie Robison, Richard Sawatzky, Loretta Lee, Monika Bolin, Jeff Costley, Sandy Johnstone, Kevin Kemp, Justin Leroux, May Tourangeau, Sabiha Zaman, Kara Schick-Makaroff

Patient Experience Journal

A Community Advisory Committee comprised of nine members with lived experience of kidney failure, identified the need for a patient-facing version of a mental healthcare pathway for people receiving dialysis in Alberta, Canada. Recognizing that healthcare tools to support person-centred care practices should be available in lay language, our team (comprised of Community Advisors and healthcare clinicians and researchers) co-designed a patient-facing pathway: “Your Journey: Coping with and Adjusting to Dialysis.” The Provincial Pathways Unit provided a template for the pathway, and the content was adapted through multiple online and in-person meetings with the Community Advisors. Adaptations were informed by …

Leading Through Partnership: Development Of A Hospital-Wide Family-Centered Care Collaborative, Jessica T. Fry, Naomi Shapiro, Barbara Lawlor Burke, Kalee Ryan, Kerri Z. Machut

Patient Experience Journal

Though it has been widely recognized that systematic patient and family engagement plays a critical role in strengthening the provision of family-centered pediatric healthcare, significant gaps in knowledge remain regarding how to develop and build a successful model of engagement. As a group of pediatric health care professionals invested in improving the patient and family-centered care provided by our children’s medical center, we saw the opportunity for family and organizational collaboration as a needed “first step” in model development. In this case study, we describe our institutional journey to build connections and resources though the development of a Family Centered …

Virtual Nurse Discharge: Improving Patient And Nurse Experience, Dina Flihan, Christine Odell, Stacey Davis, Carolyn Oates, Fay Wright

Patient Experience Journal

This case study reviews the virtual discharge nurse (VDN) process and its impact on patient experience and nursing workflow as an exemplar of an effective telehealth innovation at a community hospital 23-bed Short Stay Unit (SSU). At the SSU, the daily turnover rate of more than 50% of the unit census challenged the nurses’ ability to provide comprehensive individualized discharge education. SSU patient experience scores measured by the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) reflected opportunities to improve the discharge process. Therefore, the direct care nurses on SSU suggested a trial innovation of a VDN to improve …

Triad: A Novel Team Structure Pilot And Its Impact On Patient Experience In The Pediatric Emergency Department, Walter Palmer Md, Joseph R. Mijares Iii, Md, Sephora Morrison Mbbs, Msci, Mba

Patient Experience Journal

Introduction: Patient experience is inextricably tied to effective communication between the care team and patient. Published trials designed to improve communication and therefore patient experience in the pediatric emergency department setting are lacking. Methods: This is a novel care team reorganization in a single tertiary care pediatric emergency department. A Triad team consisted of a nurse, emergency technician (Tech), and physician or advanced practice practitioner (APP). The team was designed and trained with an emphasis on closed loop communication with the team and patient to test whether improving effective communication can subsequently improve the patient experience. Using a real-time survey, …

Empowering Frontline Staff In Service Recovery, Sarah E. Duncan, Brianna Camera, Iva Ervin-Stanberry, Heather L. Pezzullo

Patient Experience Journal

Objective: This study aimed to develop and implement a standardized service recovery training program within the VA healthcare system to enhance patient experiences and address grievances effectively. The purpose of the training was to equip VA employees with the necessary skills and knowledge to resolve service issues promptly and empathetically, adhering to the principles of the VA’s SALUTE model for service recovery. Method: The training program was designed based on feedback from anonymous pre-surveys to identify knowledge gaps and incorporate industry best practices. The VA’s SALUTE model, which emphasizes six key actions—saying hello, apologizing, listening, understanding, taking action, …

A Case Report On Meeting The Spiritual Need Of Intubated Conscious Patient, Mahuya Karmakar, Santhna Letchmi Panduragan, Faridah Mohd Said

Patient Experience Journal

Nurses are showing more interest in including spiritual health to prevent and treat illnesses. For patients who can speak may ask for their spiritual need to the health care provider. But for intubated patients it.s difficult to express such needs. Most of the time caregivers focus on the physical parameters only for intubated patients. Apart from physical symptoms these patients also experience a variety of bio-psycho-socio-spiritual sensations. Research has shown that spiritual therapies can reduce distress, assist in preparing the patient for end-of life care, and enhance overall wellbeing along with improving their quality of life. The purpose of this …

A Systematic Review Of The Literature On The Validity, Reliability, And Utility Of The Nhs Friends And Family Test As A Method For Gathering Feedback On And Improving The Experiences Of Patients, Miss Jenny King, Catherine Davidson, Miss Hannah Wade, Chris Graham

Patient Experience Journal

The NHS Friends and Family Test (FFT) is widely used across the National Health Service to collect patient feedback on care experiences. Given its scale and cost, there is strong public and organisational interest in the validity, reliability, and utility of the FFT. This study aimed to systematically review the literature on the validity, reliability, and utility of the FFT as a method for gathering feedback on and improving patient experiences. PubMed and ProQuest databases were searched in September 2024. Studies were included if they met the inclusion criteria. Information extracted included study information (e.g., title, authors, publication year, research …

Reliability And Validity Of A Modified Version Of The Consumer Assessment Of Healthcare Providers And Systems (Cahps®) Clinician And Group Visit Survey 4.0 (Beta) For Ambulatory Behavioral Health Care, Jessica K. Jeffrey, Ron D. Hays, Randi Hissom, Mark Grossman, Samuel A. Skootsky

Patient Experience Journal

Patient experience is a fundamental indicator of healthcare quality. A patient experience survey that assesses telemedicine and in-person ambulatory behavioral health care is needed. This study aims to adapt the CAHPS Clinician and Group Visit Survey 4.0 (beta) to assess adult patient experience with ambulatory behavioral health services and its reliability and validity. Seven behavioral health subject matter experts (psychiatrists, therapists with master’s degrees, and primary care physicians) at an integrated delivery system aligned with an academic institution provided input to select a subset of items and make minor wording adjustments to the CAHPS survey. The adapted survey was administered …

Assessing Patient Satisfaction With The Services Provided Under The National Health Insurance Scheme At The Outpatient Department Of The Levy Mwanawasa University Teaching Hospital In Lusaka, Zambia, Wesley Kapaya Mwambazi, Mubanga Mpundu

Patient Experience Journal

The National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), introduced in Zambia in 2019 to enhance healthcare financing and service delivery, still faces challenges impacting patient satisfaction. This study assesses and investigates the factors influencing patient satisfaction with NHIS-provided services at a third-level tertiary public hospital. The study was conducted at the outpatient department (OPD) of Levy Mwanawasa University Teaching Hospital (LMUTH) in Lusaka, Zambia, deliberately chosen as one of the largest publicly financed tertiary referral hospitals and among the first NHIS-accredited facilities. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 270 respondents using a modified SERVQUAL 5-point Likert scale questionnaire, whose reliability was assessed …

Using Patient Experience Data With Impact: A Framework For Healthcare Improvement, Corey Adams, Ramesh Walpola, Reema Harrison

Patient Experience Journal

Background: Despite major investment in patient experience measurement, healthcare organizations often struggle to translate patient feedback into lasting improvements. Existing knowledge translation frameworks provide useful concepts, but often lack the practical detail or contextual relevance needed to improve patient experiences. Objective: To develop and present the IMPACT Framework, an evidence-informed approach designed to bridge the gap between patient experience measurement and meaningful improvement in healthcare. Methods: This framework was informed by a systematic review of patient experience measurement and analysis of barriers to feedback use. Findings from contemporary patient experience research were combined with key principles of knowledge translation, change …