Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

The 12-Hour Shift: A Phenomenological Study Of Law Enforcement Trauma, Alexandria Reagan Arthur

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study is to better understand the emotional distress that Law Enforcement officers experience in a 12-hour shift of work in the southwest Virginia area. The emotional distress experienced can cause long term psychological and physical reactions. However, there is a stigma associated with the officers seeking mental health treatment which causes the likelihood of this stress to increase. If officers are open to nonjudgmental mental health support, there could be fewer mental health instabilities throughout the LEO career. This transformation could in turn help officers seek assistance during the course of their career as …

The Nature Of Self-Evident Equality In The Declaration Of Independence And Its Implications For Jeffersonian Federalism, Thomas T. Cook

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The foundation for human equality is central to the question of political discourse, and the basis for self-government, consent, and consensus. On what basis can two people enter into contract or agree to be governed if they are not equal? The Declaration of Independence with its appeal to Nature’s God and its establishment of “rights” as coming from that God firmly establishes human equality in a metaphysical reality outside of human decision to change that reality. The lack of human acknowledgement of that reality, historically, does not change that reality. Philosophers and political theorists might reason that it is based …

Employee Retention In Elderly Care: The Impact Of Coworkers On Newly Hired Caregivers, Lewis Mccoy

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Retention of newly hired staff is a critical issue for organizations, specifically those in the long-term care profession. Post-pandemic staffing shortages in this sector of the healthcare continuum have significantly increased the importance of retaining new employees. Previous research on socialization tactics on turnover intentions has demonstrated the importance of employee relationships within the workplace but has failed to address the critical onboarding phase of a newly hired employee. In this qualitative phenomenological research study, the impact of peer socialization during the first 90-days of employment on caregiver turnover intention within the long-term care profession is examined. Research questions are …

Analysis Of Forensic Crime Gun Data As A Predictive Tool For Crime Gun Intelligence And The Disruption Of The Shooting Cycle, Michael P. Garvey

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Gun violence is a national issue; however, major cities account for most recovered crime guns and shootings. Various efforts to address gun violence by identifying shooters and sources of crime guns, enhancing intervention efforts, improving social services, and prosecuting prolific offenders have been offered over the last twenty years. However, large urban cities continue to observe high homicides and non-fatal shooting rates. Forensic techniques have been used to generate leads to solve crimes. In addition, group violence intervention programs, such as Operation Ceasefire, are used to identify potential groups associated with gun violence to provide social alternatives or enhanced prosecution. …

Evaluation Of Undergraduate Research Topic Skill Development, Vanessa Arce, Katelyn Angell

Publications and Research

Inspired by the ACRL Framework for Information Literacy frame Research as Inquiry, Lehman College Library conducted an assessment to measure its undergraduate students’ ability to formulate research questions that are appropriately scaled, encourage critical inquiry, and can be supported by available information resources. Using a sample of first-year students enrolled in an English composition class, the assessment revealed that students performed best at locating information resources and struggled most with scaling down a topic. Lessons learned from this study can be extrapolated to outside institutions to improve information literacy learning outcomes.

Migration Continues To Sustain Population Gains In Rural America, Kenneth M. Johnson

Carsey Publications

In this brief, author Kenneth Johnson reports that rural America is now gaining population again after a decade of loss. The recent rural population gain of 197,000 is striking given that pandemic-era deaths exceeded births in nonmetropolitan areas by a staggering 454,000 between April of 2020 and July of 2023, compared to a net natural loss (more deaths than births) of just 19,000 in the three years before the pandemic.

Even though rural America had an overall population gain between 2020 and 2023, just 45 percent of all rural counties gained population. Most of the recent nonmetropolitan population increase accrued …

Implementing Acceptance And Commitment Therapy To Reduce Caregiver Stress And Enhance Procedural Fidelity For Families Affected By Autism Spectrum Disorder, Casey K. Marsh

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The rate of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is increasing each year (CDC, 2022). Although the severity of symptoms is specific to individuals, the families of those diagnosed are often also affected in a variety of ways. Caregivers of children with ASD experience higher rates of depression, anxiety, and stress. The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) on caregiver stress and procedural fidelity. Three caregivers of children with ASD were trained using an ACT curriculum and caregiver stress was measured using two self-report scales, before and after six ACT …

Niche Publishers Leading Innovation And Transformative Agreements, David Sarsfield, Andrea Lopez, Anne E. Rauh, Graham Anderson

Librarian Publications

No abstract provided.

Waiving Physical Presence Requirements During The Covid-19 Pandemic Increased Wic Caseloads, Colleen Heflin, William Clay Fannin, Leonard M. Lopoo, Camille Barbin

Center for Policy Research

Following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government relaxed the physical presence requirements for applicants of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) to reduce the associated health risks for pregnant women, new mothers, and young children. Experts consider in-person application requirements an administrative burden that can constrain access to social services, but the causality of specific burdens on WIC has not previously been shown. This brief summarizes findings from a study that compared WIC caseload data collected across 738 counties in 10 U.S. states between January 2019 and May 2021 to determine how …

The Impact Of Adverse Childhood Experiences On Later Desistance Among Serious Juvenile Offenders From A Broken Family Composition, Olivia Franklin

Master's Theses

The current study aimed to contribute to the overall knowledge of desistance patterns among juveniles by exploring them among serious juvenile offenders who come from a broken home. Utilizing the Pathways to Desistance (PTD) dataset, this study used logistic regression to examine the impact of family composition on later desistance while controlling for various adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) one might experience. Two research questions guide this study: (1) Does family composition (i.e., “broken homes”) impact later desistance among serious adolescent offenders, while controlling for important criminological predictors (i.e., self-control and antisocial peer influence)? (2) Is the quality of one’s home …

The Effects Of Sleep And Culture On A Police Officer’S Mindset Involved In A Traffic Collison, Christopher Gary Cano

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The host police department experienced 58 traffic collisions from 2019-2020, which resulted in adverse outcomes for police officers and community members. The police department seeks a solution to reduce and prevent future collisions. This problem is not an isolated incident, as traffic collisions have been the leading cause of death and injury to police officers in the United States for the last three decades. Previous research focused on the causative factors of traffic collisions (speeding, distracted driving); however, little research has been dedicated to why a police officer would engage in risky driving. Is the mindset of a police officer …

Feasibility Of Technical Solutions For The Detection Of Falsified Images In Research, Phill Jones, Hylke Koers

Copyright, Fair Use, Scholarly Communication, etc.

In this report, we discuss the findings of an investigation into the feasibility of developing a research image integrity system. The focus was primarily on immunohistochemistry blots and microscopy images, although the findings are relevant to other types of research images such as gel blots and spectroscopy, geophysical, or astronomical images, as well as to any digital data type. The investigation comprised a mix of desk research and semi-structured (anonymized) interviews with nine stakeholders representing publishers, researchers, technologists, and microscopy companies.

We found that it would be possible to implement a system to assert image integrity and that the technology …

How Does (In)Stability In A Woman’S Family-Of-Origin Influence Her Decision To Leave When She Experiences Intimate Partner Violence?, Xi Wang

Sociology Between the Gaps: Forgotten and Neglected Topics

No abstract provided.

Collage-Based Narratives Of Mothers Of Third Culture Kids: The In-Between Space Of Transnational Families In The Uae, Anna Marie Dillon, Tabassim Ali

All Works

This study delves into the lives of transnational families in the UAE, exploring their complex identities using a visual research approach known as the Collage Life Elicitation Technique (CLET). Both the topic and the methodology are framed within a theoretical lens of Verstehen (understanding) with a view to further exploring the lives of transnational families in the context of a pragmatic phenomenology and within the setting of the UAE as a rentier state. The lives of families such as these are characterized by a cross-cultural lifestyle, high mobility and expected repatriation. This paper presents narratives of eight transnational families in …

A Phenomenological Study Of Pastors' Experiences Counseling Combat Veterans, Yvette M. Rolle

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

When combat veterans make the transition to civilian life, whether permanently or between deployments, they face mental, physical, and spiritual adjustment (Grimell, 2019; Zogas, 2017). Although the Veterans Administration and local health providers offer services, some combat veterans prefer to seek their pastor’s advice instead or in addition (Bonner et al., 2013). Pastors, even those with little or no formal training in counseling or therapy, are uniquely equipped to guide combat veterans in the spiritual aspect of healing, or at least to accompany them with empathy and the consolation of faith. Yet a gap exists in the literature regarding clergy’s …

Mental Health Of Western Tennessee Police Officers, Jasmin Marie Powell

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this grounded theory study is to understand the group think regarding mental health and wellness of police officers in the western Tennessee region. The theory guiding this study is group think, a theory first defined in 1972 by Irvin Janis. Irvin Janis, a psychologist introduced the phenomenon of groupthink and described it as a group of people, in this research case police officers, where loyalty was required from members and that this can cause both positive and negative side effects. The research population for this research will consist of 92 participants, including males and females, of different …

Organizational Citizenship & Counterproductive Workplace Behaviors: Personal Trauma & Workplace Conduct, Patricia Giaccone

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The influence of a survivor-advocates personal trauma history on their work and ability to cope with its challenges are inadequately understood. This research project aimed to distinguish if there was a significant difference in engagement between survivor-advocates and nonsurvivor-advocates in organizational citizenship behaviors or counterproductive workplace behaviors. Furthermore, this study looked at organizational employment tenure as a factor affecting such engagement. The data for this quantitative research project was collected from a nationwide pool of respondents who worked directly with victims of domestic violence in the United States resulting in a total of 54 participants completing the anonymous survey. Exploring …

A Qualitative Approach Exploring Interoperation Communications By Law Enforcement Officers During Active Shootings, Amy Schissler

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this exploratory-descriptive qualitative study was to investigate how law enforcement officers communicate during active shooting incidents. The study used Ferrell’s Human Factors theory (1997) and the Human Factors Analysis and Classification System (HFACS) as the theoretical and conceptual framework. Data collection methods included 11 oral narratives, 11 individual semi-structured interviews, and 12 open-ended questionnaires, involving a total of 12 participants. The study followed the Exploratory-Descriptive Qualitative design proposed by Hunter et al. (2018). The interview and questionnaire data were analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis and the HFACS to identify major themes, while the narrative data …

An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis Of Emotional Preparedness Of U.S. Transitioning Servicemembers: Differences In Military Officers And Enlisted Personnel, Jasmine L. Hayes

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This interpretive phenomenology analysis study examines the specific emotions of 10 U.S. transitioning veterans (5 enlisted personnel and 5 military officers) during the transitioning process. 9 out of the 10 participants stated that they had anxiety about transitioning out of the military. A common theme among military officers and enlisted personnel is that they were all anxious about healthcare after transitioning from the military. In contrast, a common theme among military officers that was not a theme among enlisted personnel was the anxiousness of feeling like they were leaving the military and not completing what they started. A common theme …

Bearing The Weight: A Phenomenological Exploration Of Burnout And Stress Among Medicolegal Investigators, Ava Juliette Thorpe

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This phenomenological study aimed to investigate and comprehend the impact of burnout and associated maladaptive behaviors among medicolegal and coroner investigators in the United States. Burnout is broadly defined as factors impeding practitioners' physical and psychological well-being in these fields. Despite extensive research on burnout among criminal justice practitioners in trauma-informed care environments, there is a notable gap in the literature concerning support mechanisms for medicolegal and coroner systems (Slack, 2020). This study addressed this gap by exploring the lived experiences of medicolegal and coroner investigators, providing insights for addressing burnout in these contexts. The central problem addressed in this …

Mitigating The Negative Effects Of Perceived Stress Using Wellness And Resiliency Training Programs On Job Satisfaction In Public Safety Officers In The United States, Benjamin T. Iobst

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The following quasi-experimental, cross-sectional, survey-based quantitative research study investigated the role of wellness and resiliency training programming in mitigating the adverse effects of stress on job satisfaction (JS) in US Public Safety Officers (PSOs). This research measured the dimensions of perceived stress, such as technological stress, critical incidents, organizational stressors, work-life balance, and social-conflict stress. Additionally, this research examined the relationship between these stressors, wellness, and resiliency education and their effect on job satisfaction in PSOs. It was found that perceived stress has a statistically significant negative correlation with job satisfaction (rs = -.466, p < .001). Additionally, organizational stress (rs = -0.556, p < 0.001), work-life balance stress (rs = -0.452, p < 0.001), critical incident stress (rs = -0.306, p < 0.001), and social conflict stress (rs = -0.298, p < 0.001) have a statistically significant negative correlation with job satisfaction, whereas technological stress does not (rs = -0.109, p = 0.129). Finally, it was found that resiliency training does not have a statistically significant relationship with job satisfaction (U (195) = 4647, p = .971) or perceived stress (U (195) = 4434.50, p = .608) based on the conditions that were tested. Police departments can use results from this research to guide and develop policies and training to address stress and job satisfaction in the public safety industry.

Examining Yourself: The Effect Of Reflective Thinking Strategies On Public Servants' Communication Abilities, Rasheda Jamillah Cummings

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Practicing communication with the process of reflecting thinking can help improve public servants’ communication and create positive interactions. Reflective thinking transpires when individuals think about past experiences and events, then analyze and recapture them to enhance future experiences and skills. In other words, reflection thinking is a manifestation of reflection, which is a purposeful and recursive contemplation of one’s practice experiences. However, public servants may lose the confidence to express themselves with effective communication abilities which prevail over the standard of expectation that has been rooted in public trust within the field of public administration. The study is a quasi-experimental …

A Phenomenological Study Of The Lived Experiences Of K-12 Teachers In Delaware County Facilitating Communal Trauma Processing, Geena Flores

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to analyze the lived experiences of K-12 teachers in Delaware County, PA to understand how they perceive the processing of student trauma that has been passed down through generations in the community. The theory guiding this study was Intergenerational Trauma (IT) as this study seeks to understand the perceptions and intentionality of the teachers working in a community impacted by trauma passed down through generations. Teachers elucidated their experiences and perspectives via interviews, participant journaling, and a focus group. The data collected was analyzed and common themes emerged including the importance of safety …

Traumatization Of In-Home Supportive Services (Ihss) Workers, Joseph Choi

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study is to describe Korean-speaking IHSS workers’ experiences with trauma in the Los Angeles area. The theory guiding this study is the ecological view on psychological trauma by Mary Harvey (1996). Harvey’s theory posits that each individual’s reaction to traumatizing events will be influenced by the source of one’s identity, through the combined attributes of community and a sense of belonging. As many Korean-speaking IHSS workers work exclusively with other Korean consumers, this theory can help explain the strong emotional and social ties Korean-speaking IHSS workers feel bound to in their daily operations. It is …

Perceptions Of The Pastoral Role In Fostering Generation Z And Millennials' Spiritual Growth Using Digital Platforms, Wanda Elaine Belvin

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore pastors recognizing their roles and their perceptions of fostering and nurturing individual spiritual growth in their congregants with emphasis on their Millennials and Generation Z with assistance of digital platforms and its impact on leadership. Since the pandemic, church attendance has been in decline particularly within this demographic and this study explored ways to reduce this trend. The theories guiding this study were servant leadership and spiritual formation. This study focused on individual rather than congregational spiritual growth. Since those in this age group are digital natives, the focus was on …

Beyond Children’S Vulnerability: Secure Attachment Mediates The Relationship Between Child Anxiety Disorder And Parents’ Psychopathology Risk, Diep Tran

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Anxiety is one of children's most common mental health disorders. Many studies emphasize the effect of anxiety on young children, especially social abilities and other impairments across contexts throughout the child’s development. Along with this issue, studies have also shown that secure attachment is a powerful predictor of children’s later social and emotional outcomes. However, there is limited literature about child anxiety disorder and its unintended negative consequences on parents. Evidence for the association between anxiety in young children, secure attachment, and parental stress was not well understood. Thus, this proposed study offered a comprehensive literature review of past and …

College Females With A History Of Childhood Sexual Abuse: The Impact Of Birth Order And Religious Commitment On Resilience, Courtney Elizabeth Walraven

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Traumatology is defined and expanded on concerning the common outcomes and sequela. The short- or long-term effects of trauma are discussed including the diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A description was given of the history and progression of the formal diagnosis of PTSD. A thorough explanation of PTSD diagnostic criteria, risk factors, cultural considerations, and protective factors were provided. A detailed explanation of sexual assault and the implications of this specific trauma on survivors/victims were provided. The impact of child sexual abuse in survivors was reviewed. Commonly used measurements of psychological resilience were reviewed. The impact of religiosity on …

The Impact Of The Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic On Urban Nonprofit Organizations In A Southeastern City, Yvette Michelle Brown

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative study examined the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic on human services nonprofit organizations in an urban setting and the strategic measures implemented by the leaders to remain focused on their mission. The logic of inference was that the pandemic significantly impacted these nonprofit organizations, forcing the public administration leaders to implement new innovative strategies that should be documented. The study data was collected and analyzed through three streams of data: interviews with nonprofit or public administration leaders, surveys of nonprofit employees, and document analysis of organizational financial reports over four years. The results from the interviews …

The Implications Of Adverse Childhood Experiences On Adult Health Perceptions, Angela Cleshette Revis

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are traumatic incidents or circumstances children face before age 18 that often manifest as physical and mental health illnesses in adulthood, disproportionately affecting survivors from lower socioeconomic classes, specifically communities of color. This study examines the prevalence and type of illnesses stemming from ACEs in adult patients sampled from a North Carolina public health center, where patients are of lower socioeconomic classes, including those from communities of color. Semi structured interviews among 14 participants were conducted using the Zoom meetings platform to obtain responses from the participants. The results show significant mental health consequences, including early …

Enhancing Spousal Abuse Awareness Among Church Leaders Of The Haitian Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Peggy Filossaint

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

There is a critical need for Christian church leaders to actively combat spousal abuse, emphasizing that churches must break their silence on this issue, protect victims, and join the fight against domestic violence. The study specifically focused on enhancing awareness and knowledge of spousal abuse among leaders of the Maranatha Haitian Seventh-day Adventist Church. The primary purpose of this research was to equip church leaders with the necessary tools and understanding to effectively address spousal abuse within their congregation. The project aimed to develop a comprehensive protocol for annual training, ensuring that church leaders are well-prepared to navigate the complexities …