Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Lived Experiences Of Employees Working With Homeless Veterans In Transitional Housing Programs In New Jersey, Ieshia C. Davis

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Homelessness among veterans has been a widespread concern for over three decades. Individuals employed in transitional housing settings play a pivotal role in helping veterans overcome homelessness. There is a lack of qualitative studies that explores the experiences of these employees, which limits understanding of what is needed to help homeless veterans regain their place back in society and the ability to develop and implement better programs for the population. In this phenomenological study, semi-structured interviews were used to help understand and describe the lived experiences of employees who work directly with the homeless veteran population in transitional housing settings …

Comparing Motivation And Ambition Between Adolescent Mothers And Child-Free Women, Deirdre Lynn Jones Lowman

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Recent studies have concluded that adolescent pregnancy and subsequent motherhood can contribute to mental health stressors, acting as potential barriers to ambition and motivation. Researchers have explored motivation and ambition; however, there is little or no research comparing motivation and ambition between adolescent mothers and child-free women. The purpose of this casual-comparative study was to compare motivation levels and ambition values between adolescent mothers, age 18-24, and women of the same age range who are child-free. Deci and Ryan's self-determination theory as the theoretical lens, and the Intrinsic Motivation Inventory and Aspirations Index, were used as data collection instruments. Recruitment …

Women Veterans’ Social Experiences, Challenges, And Responsive Strategies During Civilian Reintegration, Amanda Najar-Cabrera

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

In this study, women veterans’ reintegration experiences, challenges, and responsive strategies with social identity, social connection, and social support were explored. Military discharge is a significant life change that disrupts the lives of women veterans in ways different from men and the scientific community is only beginning to research the long-term implications of social determinants of health in different populations. As the U.S. military women veteran population continues to increase, their social experiences, challenges, and responsive strategies during civilian reintegration have remained unexplored. The purpose of this study was to explore the social experiences of women veterans during reintegration to …

Ambiguous Loss Feelings Amongst Caregivers Of Operation Enduring Freedom Veterans, Stephanie T. Spann

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This quantitative study compares the possible relationship between ambiguous loss and the stress level of caregivers of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) veterans who served in combat. Injured servicemembers need caregivers to assist them in caring for their physical and mental health needs. This study examined whether there is a relationship between the perceived ambiguous loss among caregivers of OEF injured veterans and the stress level experienced by caregivers. The theoretical framework for this study is the ambiguous loss theory. The methodology used to test the hypothesis is a quantitative correlational design to compare ambiguous loss variables amongst caregivers of injured …

Sociodemographic Predictors Of Veterans’ Health-Related Quality Of Life, Tamala Jones Choice

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is a theoretical concept that intertwines physical, mental, emotional, and social functioning, with a focus on the impact that health status has on quality of life. Although sociodemographic factors are associated with lower HRQoL, how these factors influence HRQoL in military veterans is less understood. The study’s purpose was to examine the relationships between sociodemographic characteristics (gender, military pay grade, military branch, and geographic location) and perceived HRQoL measured by the SF-8 survey among veterans living in a metropolitan community in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. A cross-sectional recruitment study design yielded 90 …

The Relationship Between Perceived Occupational Stress, Gender, Education, And Job Skill Level, Rumena Hm Kabir

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

AbstractOccupational stress is a common problem among workers, and it may have implications for productivity, job satisfaction, and employee wellness. The purpose of this study was to explore different skill levels related to perceived occupational stress and whether gender and education influence it. Publicly available secondary data for this study came from the Public Library of Science at-risk and intervention thresholds of occupational stress using a Perceived Stress Scale 14 survey from June 2017. The 500 participants in the secondary data were a random sample of workers from five occupational health centers recruited during annual work medical examinations. Findings indicated …

Relationship Between Childhood Trauma, ,Adverse Childhood Experiences, And Self-Management Of Type 1 And Type 2 Diabetes, Deserie J. Otoole

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

AbstractPoorly controlled diabetes is the result of lack of self-care, which contributes to complications, ill quality in life, the rise in health care costs, and early death. The purpose of this quantitative, nonexperimental study was to examine the extent to which diabetes type (Type 1 and Type 2), childhood trauma, and adverse childhood experiences predict diabetes self-management (glucose management, dietary control, physical activity, health care use, total self-management). Contemporary trauma theory suggests that early childhood trauma results in negative health-related consequences in adulthood. Standard multiple regression analyses showed that (a) higher levels of physical neglect and emotional abuse predicted poorer …

College Experiences Of Female Students With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Cleo Patrick

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

AbstractThis study, using feminist trauma theory as the conceptual framework, addressed a gap in the literature about female university students’ experiences with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) related to the academic and social supports needed for college success and degree completion. Nearly 30% of college students will drop out during their 1st year in school. Research suggests that personal histories of simple and complex traumas may be influential factors contributing to dropout rates. There are limited programs or resources in colleges and universities to address the needs of students struggling with past traumas aside from routine student counseling. The purpose of …

Exploring Perspectives Of African American Pentecostal Clergy Scripture Teachings Regarding Mental Illness, Phyllis Bethea Foye

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Previous literature has noted that African American Pentecostals (AAP) avoid seeking secular care for mental health concerns. The purpose of this phenomenological qualitative study was to explore the lived experiences of AAP pastors’ beliefs and teachings associated with mental health care as well as stigmas regarding that care, using Niebuhr’s synthesis theory, Arnheim’s convergence theory, and Bronfenbrenner’s ecological system theory of human development. Sixteen AAP senior pastors were interviewed to explore four research questions regarding their beliefs about secular mental health care, Bible Scripture teachings, seeking support from clergy, and mental health education that may impact the acceptance of secular …

Factors For Lgbt College Students That Predict Academic Success, Jonathan Mccormick

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Much research has been done on LGBT students in relation to campus climate and academic achievement, which suggested that a positive campus climate may positively influence students’ academic success. However, no research has yet been done to understand the value of campus climate, student levels of depression anxiety and stress, and student level of outness for predicting academic success. This quantitative study examined campus climate, depression, anxiety, and stress levels, and student level of outness together in their ability to predict self-reported grade point average of LGBT college students. Basic Psychological Needs Theory, a sub theory of Self-Determination Theory, was …

Generalized Anxiety Disorder Symptoms Stratified By Age In Primary Care, Robin E. Mccoy

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Little is known as to the age-related presentation of somatic complaints of those diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder in primary care settings. A retrospective medical records review sought to identify the affective symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) by age as recorded by primary care providers and to test the association of these symptoms by age. Guided by Engle’s (1977) biopsychosocial (BPS) model, a large administrative claim database system was used to derive a sample of 1,336, including 500 patients diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder between 2018 to 2021. Binary logistics regression, one-way ANOVA, chi-square, correlation, and logistical regression with …

Faith-Based Leaders’ Perception On The Need For Active Assailant Contingency Planning, Tanzania Merriweather

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Violence is identifiable as a common threat to public and community safety. Violent incidents have had an extensive history within society and are especially concerning when orchestrated against religious institutions. There is existing research concerning massive violent incidents in sanctuaries and churches; however, there is limited research on the perceptions of religious leaders on the need for safety planning to prepare for and combat these incidents. This phenomenological study was completed to explore the perceptions of eight faith-based leaders on the need for safety contingency planning for sanctuaries and churches. The research questions posed for this study were designed to …

Caucasian Social Workers’ Cultural Competence Regarding Advance Care Planning Among Southern African Americans, Lisa Mitchell

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Caucasian social workers who work in healthcare and implement advance care planning (ACP) may not be competent regarding African Americans’ reluctance to complete advance directives. Research is lacking on how Caucasian social workers in Louisiana are increasing their cultural competence regarding the interplay of historical trauma, past medical mistrust, and spiritual beliefs on African Americans’ use of ACP. This study explored how Caucasian social workers are increasing their cultural competence regarding the interplay of historical trauma, past medical mistrust, and spiritual beliefs on African Americans’ use of ACP. The conceptual framework that guided this study was the cultural competence model. …

Staff Perspectives On Parent Withdrawal From Maternal, Infant, And Early Childhood Home Visiting Programs, Dr. Laquetta Delores Peoples

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The problem that was investigated through this study was the high withdrawal rates of families that enroll in MIECHV programs. Examining this issue provided data that will be shared with MIECHV programs to identify potential strategies to reduce high withdrawals. This basic qualitative study with semistructured interviews examined MIECHV staffs’ perspectives on the reasons for high withdrawals. The purpose of this study was to examine MIECHV program staff members’ perspectives on the reasons for the high withdrawal. The study was guided by Mowder’s parent development theory (PDT) and examined parenting as a continual process whereby parents constantly adjusted their parenting …

Effective Revenue Planning For Small Minority-Owned Mental Health Organizations, Beonko Alejandro Sampson

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

AbstractRevenue planning for minority-owned organizations is vital for sustainability. This is a significate concern for behavioral health practitioners who must deal with the changing landscape of mental health and the financial worries of sustaining a successful organization. This case study examined effective revenue planning for a minority-owned behavioral health organization located in the mideastern part of the United States. The organization provides several different behavioral treatment services for children, adolescents, and adults. The Baldrige excellence framework for healthcare guided a system-based approach to assessing the minority-owned organization. The systems approach identified noted organizational components of leadership, strategy, and operations. Themes …

Understanding The Lack Of Communication Between Communities And Law Enforcement Through A Community Policing Program, Patrick B. Skoczek

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Abstract

Inequitable treatment by law enforcement officers has deeply impacted minority communities in the United States. Public incidents of abuse of power, discriminatory treatment, and excessive use of force have received increased attention, creating increased community mistrust of law enforcement officers. To help bridge the gap between communities and law enforcement agencies, this qualitative phenomenological study was conducted to examine the use and impact of the Policing and Public Safety Problem-Solving Programs. Data were collected through interviews with 12 retired police officers and 12 community members. Interview questions were related to participants’ perceptions regarding a breakdown in trust between law …

An Exploration Of The Lived Experiences Of Special Education Teachers Engaged In Mentoring Programs For Novice Teachers, Donna M. Sowerby

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Abstract Beginning special education teachers often leave the field within the first 3–5 years of employment. There is ample research available on mentoring programs for beginning teachers. However, limited research exists on mentoring programs for beginning special education teachers. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the lived experiences of novice special education teachers in urban schools to broaden the current understanding regarding their perceptions of mentoring. Self-determination theory was the conceptual framework for examining the mentoring relationships and the participants’ perceptions. Using a phenomenological approach, in-depth face-to-face interviews were used with a purposeful sample of 10 novice …

Mental Health Professionals’ Perceptions Of Referrals To School-Based Mental Services Among Elementary Students, Dr. Adrienne L. Stephens

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

AbstractBarriers exist to the referral process for mental-health services among elementary-school students from the perspective of school-based mental-health service professionals. The problem addressed in this study was that lack of mental-health referrals can delay or prevent treatment of mental-health issues, causing those mental-health problems to worsen over time. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences of school-based mental-health service professionals regarding these barriers to mental-health referrals. Pescosolido’s theory of the revised network model was the guiding conceptual framework for this study. The study was guided by research questions focused on how school-based mental-health professionals perceived …

Examining Psychosocial Characteristics Of Female Serial Murderers, Rachael Strebel

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Previous studies of serial murderers have focused primarily on male serial murderers.The reason for this is unknown, but is primarily reflective of media patterns, gender roles, and social norms that often exclude females from conversations surrounding female serial murder. This study focused on the psychosocial characteristics of female serial murderers. Both solo female serial murderers and serial murderers who worked with one partner were studied. Using a grounded theory approach, based on the review of 11 secondary data case studies, 12 female serial murderers were studied; six who murdered individually and six who murdered within a team. Six main themes …

Exploring Care Recipients’ Health Conditions Influence On Caregivers And Caregivers’ Meaning Of Care Dependence, Yolanda Suarez-Calvo

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Little is known about the ways in which caregivers are affected or influenced by their care recipients’ health conditions. Additionally, the meaning of care dependence for caregivers is also understudied. The purpose of this generic qualitative study was to examine caregivers’ affection/influence due to the physical and psychosocial health conditions of the individuals for whom they care. Further, the meaning of care dependence, from the perspectives of the caregivers, was sought. The theoretical framework to further this research was Montgomery and Kosloski’s (2009) caregiver’s identity theory The research question addressed the ways caregivers are affected or influenced by the care …

Parenting From Juvenile Confinement: Adults’ Reflections On Their Juvenile Experience, Lakeasha R. Moore

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

AbstractMass incarceration in the United States has resulted in an estimated 19.7 million youth living in fatherless homes. Incarcerated juvenile fathers are contributing to that number. Juvenile fathers who are incarcerated is a socially pertinent topic with significant implications, yet child developmental scholars understudy it. This phenomenological qualitative study was conducted to fill this gap by exploring the lived experiences of adults who, as juveniles, were incarcerated fathers and how they coped with social and emotional stressors while attempting to balance adolescence and defining fatherhood. Five adult males were interviewed and asked a series of four demographic and 18 semistructured …

Organizational Continuity Planning For Small Nonprofit Organizations, Lucy Castro

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Natural and manufactured disasters may negatively affect a nonprofit organization’s ability to meet its mission. Organizational continuity planning is one tool to help an organization remain practical and mission focused when faced with a natural or manufactured disaster. This qualitative case study explored the essential elements of organizational continuity planning for small nonprofit organizations. Disaster management theory and emergency management theory were used to frame the study. Three research questions guided the study exploring the internal organizational infrastructure challenges organizational leaders face during natural or manufactured disasters; the ways organizational continuity planning assisted nonprofit leaders in providing needed services during …

Winter Wonder, Samantha Bustillos, Tiffany Villarreal, Raquel Estrada

Library Display Posters

Celebrating winter all around the world.

Measuring Spiritual Well-Being In International Contexts, Rodger K. Bufford, Raymond F. Paloutzian

Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program

The Spiritual Well-Being Scale (SWBS) is a 20-item measure of self-perceived wellness. Developed in the 1980s, it includes two subscales with 10 items each. Responses are made on a 6-point continuum from Strongly Disagree to Strongly Agree with no neutral point; 9 of the items are negatively worded to minimize response biases. US samples show good internal consistency and test-retest reliability. Content validity was established in construction. Expected correlations with religion and spirituality indices, social and psychological measures, and physical functioning and demonstration of expected group differences support criterion validity. Factor analysis commonly shows 2 factors corresponding to the religious …

Spiritual Well-Being Scale (Swbs): Measuring Spiritual Well-Being In International Contexts, Rodger K. Bufford, Raymond F. Paloutzian

Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program

The Spiritual Well-Being Scale (SWBS) is a 20-item measure of self-perceived spiritual health. Developed in the 1980s, it includes 2 subscales with 10 items each. Responses are made on a 6-point continuum from Strongly Disagree to Strongly Agree with no neutral point; 9 of the items are negatively worded to minimize response biases. The US samples show good internal consistency and test-retest reliability. Content validity was established in construction. Expected correlations with religion and spirituality indices, social and psychological measures, and physical functioning and demonstration of expected group differences support criterion validity. Factor analysis commonly shows 2 factors corresponding to …

Dynamic Risk As A Predictive Of Sexual Offense Treatment Outcomes, Kaylee Bartnes Ma, Jessica Cantley Ms, Jaycee Hallford Ms, Cameron Stumpf Ma, Nicholas Rodgers Ma, Rodger K. Bufford

Faculty Publications - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program

Past Research  Those with higher criminogenic needs are more likely to recidivate (Andrews and Bonta, 1998).  Mandated therapy services have shown to have lower completion rates due to the lower intrinsic motivation (Rosenfeld, 1992).  Individuals mandated to treatment as a consequence of a previous sexual offense find engaging in treatment more challenging to complete as stigma, bias, social norms, and risk factors complicate and hinder their success (Olver et al., 2011). Current Study. We explored how dynamic risk factors differ between individuals who do and do not successfully complete mandated sexual offense treatment.

Parental Affect Profiles Predict Child Emotion Regulation And Classroom Adjustment In Families Experiencing Homelessness, Madelyn H. Labella, Rebecca Distefano, Jillian S. Merrick, Jyothi L. Ramakrishnan, Eric L. Thibodeau, Ann S. Masten

Arts & Sciences Faculty Publications

Parenting shapes the development of emotion regulation skills in early childhood, laying a key foundation for social-emotional adjustment. Unfortunately, high adversity exposure may disrupt parental emotion socialization practices and children's regulatory development. The current study used variable- and person-centered approaches to evaluate links among parental emotion expressiveness, children's observed emotion regulation, and teacher-reported adjustment among 214 4- to 6-year-old children experiencing homelessness, an indicator of high cumulative risk and acute adversity. Structured parent-child interaction tasks were recorded on site in emergency shelters over the summer and micro-socially coded for parent and child expressions of anger, positive affect, and internalizing distress. …

The Role Of Black Women In The American Civil Rights Movement, Ashley Levins

OUR Journal: ODU Undergraduate Research Journal

This essay examines the role of Black women in the American Civil Rights Movement. This is achieved through a review of literature, followed by an analysis of the First Wave of Feminism, prominent Black female leaders, and the issue of erasure of Black women. Ultimately, the essay argues that Black women were the spine of the American Civil Rights Movement, despite their historical erasure.

Pilot Study: The Effects Of A Mountain Wilderness Experience On Combat Veteran Psychosocial Wellness, Elizabeth J. Vella Phd, Taylor Lyman, Taylor Lovering

Faculty Publications

The purpose of this quasi-experimental pilot study was to evaluate the efficacy of a 3.5day outdoor wilderness program (Huts for Vets, HFV) for reducing psychological distress, PTSD symptoms, and improving positive mood states. It was hypothesized that participation in the HFV program would predict improvements in psychosocial well-being in addition to reductions in PTSD symptomatology relative to a waiting-list control group. Participants included 51 adult veterans diagnosed with PTSD and/or some other combat-related disability (Mage = 36.8, SD = 8.19). The experimental group (n=32) participated in the HFV program, which included hiking and group discussions. Data collection via psychosocial scale …

From The Poor People’S Campaign To The Poor People’S Campaign: Fifty Years Of Protest In The United States, Mike Kohout

Geography and Environmental Studies Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.