Counseling Commons^™

Understanding Intergenerational Relationships Of Asian Immigrants And Their Adult Children: A Phenomenology, Christine Yiu

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Many studies have examined the challenges U.S. immigrants face during acculturation, but few have examined Asian immigrants’ intergenerational relationships with their adult children. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe the lived experiences of Asian American adults in intergenerational relationships with their first-generation immigrant parents. The theoretical frameworks were Berry’s Acculturation Theory, Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory, and the Christian Worldview. The central research question was: How do Asian American adults describe and make meaning of their intergenerational relationships with first-generation immigrant parents? Participants were nine Asian Americans, aged 23 to 35, with at least one first-generation Asian immigrant …

Does Enrollment In A Career, Technical, And Agricultural Education (Ctae) Program Predict Students’ Maladaptive Behaviors And High School Graduation Rates In A Rural Georgia High School: A Descriptive And Correlational Analysis, Breanna M. Strickland

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study examines the effectiveness of the Career, Technical, and Agricultural (CTAE) program in a rural Georgia high school and its effectiveness on high school graduation rates and maladaptive behaviors in the setting. Grounded in both the Social Learning Theory and Happenstance Theory, this study explores how structured and unplanned experiences influence student outcomes. A quantitative, non-experimental correlational design was used to analyze archivable data from approximately 512 students across six cohorts spanning the 2015-2016 school year through the 2024-2025 school year. Variables in the study include CTAE participation, behavioral referrals, and graduation rates.

Findings from the study reveal positive …

Police Officers Perceptions And Attitudes Towards Responding To Mental Health Crises: A Phenomenological Study, Kenderlette Necosha Gibson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The increasing prevalence of mental health issues and their connection to law enforcement creates a need to understand the perceptions and attitudes of police officers toward mental health. Through this qualitative phenomenological study, the lived experiences of police officers from multiple local law enforcement agencies located in Southeast Texas Region were examined, with a focus on how they perceived mental health issues, how they responded to crises involving mental health issues, and how their perceptions influenced their decision-making during these crises. It is estimated that at least 52.9 million people in the United States have experienced mental health issues since …

Living In The Shadows: Men Who Suffer Domestic Violence: A Phenomenological Study, Sharon R. Blackmon

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Domestic violence (DV) among male victims is increasingly prevalent today, and it has a tremendous effect on both male and female victims. DV has had a lasting negative impact on the overall well-being of the male victims, and it has caused them to experience physical, emotional, and psychological distress. DV does not discriminate against race, gender, cultural background, economic or educational status. While there are a vast number of studies on DV, male victims are considered perpetrators instead of victims. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe male domestic violence victims' experiences with domestic violence in rural West …

Exploring The Impact Of Athlete-Coach Relationship On Self-Worth: A Phenomenal Study Of Perceptions And Dynamics, Jada D. Harris-Wilson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This research investigates how the coach-athlete relationship affects athletes' self-worth, emotional dependency, and resilience, using the single-parent or two-parent family dynamic as a moderating factor. Using self-determination theory, attachment theory, and social identity theory as frameworks, the current study explores how coaching styles influence the psychological well-being of athletes. This research utilizes interviews, questionnaires, and observations to analyze perceived coach support, emotional dependency, and resilience themes. The study's findings indicate that autonomy-supportive coaching helps athletes develop self-esteem, coping skills, and mental resilience. On the other hand, controlling coaching styles is associated with increased pressure and lower levels of resilience. Also, …

The Perceptions Of Social Workers On The Mental Health Needs Of Immigrant Hispanic Males In New York City: A Phenomenological Study, Mauline Lawrence-Jackson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this research was to describe the experiences of social workers as they provide services to meet the mental health needs of Hispanic immigrant males in New York City. The study was based on Bronfenbrenner's (1979) Social Ecological Theory and Vygotsky's (1978) Social Constructivism to examine how social workers in New York City perceived and addressed the mental health needs of Hispanic immigrant men, while accounting for the influence of cultural and systemic factors. The main research question used in the study was: How do social workers in New York City describe their experiences providing services to Hispanic …

Understanding Husbands Who Live With A Spouse Who Abuses Substances: A Phenomenological Study, Starla Rachelle Huckeba

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe the lived experiences of Christian non-addicted husbands who are married to a substance-abusing wife in Texas. A thorough review of existing literature indicated that previous research has focused on female non-addicted family members. From this, a gap was identified, and the central research question was developed: How did the Christian non-addicted husband describe the personal effect of living with a substance-abusing wife? Family systems theory, attachment theory, and attachment to God theory guided this study. The sample included 12 husbands whose wives abuse substances. The data collection consisted of the completion …

A Phenomenological Study Examining The Challenges Mothers Face With Reentry Into The Workforce After Giving Birth, Carrie Bell

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe the lived experiences of new mothers with postpartum depression (PPD) who reentered the workforce in Arkansas. The study aimed to discover the psychological, organizational, and social difficulties these mothers experienced during the transition from maternity leave to regular employment. Using feminist theory, attachment theory, and social constructivism as guiding frameworks, the study investigated the effects of gendered workplace structures, interrupted maternal-infant bonding, and sociocultural expectations in shaping how mothers perceived themselves and their work. A purposive sampling strategy was applied to select participants who had returned to work within one year …

A Phenomenological Study Of The Experiences Of Facilitators Who Attended A Training Program And Led An Experiential Couple’S Workshop Influenced By The Principles Of Emotionally Focused Therapy, Isabelle Valenciano

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to describe relationship educators’ lived experiences of attending a facilitator training and leading an experiential couple’s workshop grounded in emotionally focused therapy. Experiential learning theory (Kolb, 1984) was the lens used to gain a better understanding of participants’ concrete, novel experiences. Marriage education programs may be an intervention method for distressed couples seeking relationship assistance, prevention, and preparation. As an intervention, marriage education programs show promise for improving several aspects of relationships (Gordon et al., 2019). The increased number of distressed couples in marriage education workshops and programs indicates the need for …

The Effects Of Narrative Identity Awareness On The Relationship Between Adult Attachment, Shame, And God Attachment, Jacqueline H. Watson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This quantitative study examines the interconnectedness of adult attachment, shame, God attachment, and narrative identity awareness. Insecure adult attachment has been shown to result in increased shame experiences and has been linked to insecure God attachment. Awareness of narrative identity has been used to improve left-right brain integration and correct problematic narratives that often lead to shame. This research employs Likert scale-style questionnaire data, parallel mediation, and linear regression-based models to assess the connections between study variables. More specifically, it examines whether narrative identity awareness moderates the relationship between adult attachment, shame, and God attachment. Participants included self-identifying Christian adults …

Faith And Flourishing: Describing The Lived Experiences Of Christian Counselors Who Integrate Christian Faith Into Their Wellness, Angela Joy Stanley

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe the lived experience of counselors who integrate Christian faith into their wellness. The basis for this study was rooted in the work of Myers and Sweeney’s (2004) model of the indivisible self and the spiritual framework of coping for optimal health as introduced by Walker et al. (2015). Both models provide a holistic approach to wellness that recognizes the complexities of wellbeing which require the integration of multiple dimensions. Further, each model points to spirituality as an essential part of wellness. The research questions that guided this study were as follows: …

Pediatric Cancer Patients' Experience With Pediatric Medical Trauma And Caregiver Attachment: A Phenomenological Study, Rebekah L. Holland

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study is to explore the lived experiences of individuals impacted by pediatric medical trauma and their attachment to their caregiver. The theories guiding this study include John Bowlby’s attachment theory as a framework for understanding relational experiences. Attachment theory provides the structural framework for understanding the meaning of attachment, impact on medical trauma, and how disability impact social experience. The study is designed using a qualitative phenomenological approach. Participants will include 10-15 adults who meet criteria, which include those who have experienced medical trauma as a child within the United States. They will be recruited …

Psychological Impact Of Career Roles On African American Women: A Qualitative Study On The Long-Term Effects On Behavioral Health Providers' Field, Yolanda Seals-Stewart

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

There is an untold narrative regarding the levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. This leaves a gap in researchers understanding systemic, cultural, and social factors that shape mental health outcomes in a unique way. There is also a deeper need for exploration of resiliency and coping skills strategies utilized by African American women in the behavioral health field, as well as how behaviors such as discrimination, workplace dynamics, and microaggression impact the overall psyche. By addressing these gaps, a more thorough understanding of the long-term psychological effect can be addressed, and these women can receive support mechanisms and interventions that …

A Phenomenological Study Of The Experience Of Nigerian Christian Clergy Of Persecution And Insecurity In Nigeria, John Ekwoanya

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe the lived experiences of Nigerian Christian clergy and persecution and insecurity in Nigeria using an online site. The central research question was: How do Nigerian Christian clergy describe their experiences in meeting the expectations of their congregants and communities amidst persecution and insecurity? Interviews were conducted to collect data from 10 participants and an analysis was performed. The results showed that Nigerian Christian clergy, under threats of fear, still meet the needs of their congregants, and that the congregants continue to seek support from their clergy. It was also found that …

Korean Pastors’ Lived Experiences Of Their Congregants’ Mental Health Issues In The Philadelphia Suburbs: A Phenomenological Study, Guiyoung Kim

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study is to describe Korean pastors’ lived experiences of dealing with their congregants’ mental health issues in the suburban areas of Philadelphia. The theory guiding this study is ecological systems theory, which helps explain the mental health issues of Korean Americans and the factors influencing their help-seeking behaviors within the major ecological systems unique to this population. Data was collected through in-depth interviews with 10 Korean pastors serving Korean American churches in suburban Philadelphia. The collected data was analyzed and aggregated into themes through coding.

Eye Movement Desensitization And Reprocessing As A Moderator In Attachment Security Scores Accounting For Trauma, Kimberly Anne Arbelo

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of the present study is to investigate the effectiveness of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing in increasing attachment security scores. A theoretical foundation of at attachment theory and somatic therapy are discussed. Attachment theory is expounded upon to better understand the development, maintenance, and break down of emotional and intimate bonds. Traumatic experiences are investigated to better understand its potential influence on insecure and secure symptoms within attachments. The Experiences in Close Relationships, the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for the DSM-5-TR, and the Subjective Units of Distress Scale (SUDs) are instruments utilized in the study to measure attachment …

The Relationship Between Emergency Department Nurses’ Occupational Stress, And Their Experience Of Resilience, Chipo Mathis

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of occupational stress and resiliency among emergency department (ED) nurses in a high-acuity urban hospital environment. The study was grounded in the transactional model of stress and coping as proposed by Lazarus and Folkman, conservation of resources (COR) theory as proposed by Hobfoll, and the job demands-resources (JD-R) model to examined how ED nurses perceive workplace stressors, engage available resources, and develop resilience with ongoing clinical demands. The main research question unpacked how occupational stress affects the ED nurses how resilience impact coping, recovery, and professional functioning. It utilized a phenomenological research …

Pastors’ Children’S Stress In Evangelical Church In Java, Indonesia: A Phenomenological Study, Daniel Trihandarkha

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study is to describe the pastors’ children's experience with stress in the evangelical church on the island of Java, Indonesia. The theory guiding this study is the self-determination theory developed by Richard Ryan and Edward Deci, as it explains the existence and absence of psychological needs of organisms to grow and thrive. The theory describes the struggle of the pastors’ children in environments where the relationship with the caregivers is fundamental in determining the growth of the pastors’ children and their well-being. The theory where relatedness, autonomy, and competencies, will examine the lived life of …

Positive Behaviors And Traits In Clinical Supervision: A Qualitative Study, Katelyn Jakubovic

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative study explored the individual lived experiences of mental health counselors undergoing clinical supervision, focusing on their perceptions of the supervisory relationship, supervisory process, and outcomes by identifying specific traits and behaviors across various domains. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with the sample of 20 participants across professional developmental stages and practice settings. Narrative and thematic analysis of the data revealed a nuanced portrayal of the supervisory relationship. Overall, participants characterized their supervision experiences as being predominantly positive and growth-facilitating. Participants identified key supportive factors, such as communication, resources, and scheduling flexibility. Analyses also uncovered significant areas for improvement, …

Experiences Of Parents Moving In, Moving Through, And Moving Out Of Play Therapy: A Phenomenological Study, Carly Rowan

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study is to describe the experiences of parents as they make meaning of their children’s participation in play therapy in the Dallas/Fort Worth region. Schlossberg's transition theory was utilized to provide a theoretical framework for answering the following questions: How do parents describe their expectations and perceptions of play therapy for their children who have received a minimum of eight play therapy sessions? How do parents describe their expectations for play therapy before their experience? In what ways were the parents' expectations met, and what were the unexpected outcomes experienced while their child was …

Barriers And Bridges To Mental Health: A Quantitative Study Of Religious Commitment, Mental Health Stigma, And Help-Seeking Attitudes In The Black Community, Catisha Tillman

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Mental health is a silent killer in the Black community. The Black community prefers to seek mental health support from their pastors, friends, families, and church members rather than from a professional counselor. This mistrust is seated in a deeply rooted history of transgenerational trauma towards the medical and mental health care system. Stemming from the enslavement of the Black community to the present day, with systemic racism, disparities in mental health care, limited educational resources, and socioeconomic disadvantages. The following research examined how religious commitment affects mental health stigma, help-seeking attitudes, church-based relational support, and perceived barriers to mental …

Christian, English-Speaking-Hispanic, Individuals’ Experiences With Marital Internet Infidelity Of Their Partners: A Phenomenological Study, Ivan Herran

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This phenomenological study explored the lived experience of Christian, English-speaking Hispanic individuals who have experienced internet-based emotional infidelity. The increasing use of digital communication has contributed to new forms of relational challenges within marriages, particularly in a faith-based context. Data was collected through semi-structured, in-depth interviews and a focus group, with participants purposively recruited via personal outreach and referrals. The analysis focused on understanding how individuals perceived, interpreted, and coped with emotional infidelity within their relationships. Findings revealed that participants experienced emotional distress, disruptions in trust, and challenges in communication, while also relying on personal, relational, and faith-based coping strategies. …

A Phenomenological Study Of The Lived Experiences Of Black Counselors Completing Wellness Checks For Their Black Clients, Shanique Slowley-Azeez

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences of Black counselors who have contacted the police for wellness checks on their Black clients. This study explored how factors such as intergenerational trauma, systemic oppression, and race shaped the perceptions and experiences of these counselors who sought wellness checks from law enforcement for Black clients. This research was guided by intergenerational trauma theory (1966) and social constructivist theory (1978). Social constructivist theory allowed the researcher to understand how individuals describe and assign meaning to events, thus shaping their knowledge and lived experiences. The researcher employed semi-structured interviews …

A Phenomenological Study Of The Lived Experiences Of Eritrean Refugee Mothers Who Have Experienced Intimate Partner Violence, Kebreab Hailegiorgis

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study is to explore how the lived experiences of surviving intimate partner violence (IPV) in the context of forced migration influences among Eritrean refugee mothers. Guided by trauma theory and attachment theory, the research seeks to understand the impact of IPV and displacement-related trauma on parenting behaviors and parent–child relationships among Eritrean women. This study recruited 12 Eritrean refugee mothers with IPV experiences and used semi-structured interviews conducted virtually (via Zoom) to gather rich, first-person narratives of their parenting challenges and resilience. Data analysis followed Moustakas’ phenomenological approach, involving horizonalization, thematic coding, and synthesis …

Healthy Outcomes From Positive Experiences Training And Child-Serving Providers, April Scott

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

An in-depth knowledge base of prevention frameworks with strategies to address the root causes of dysfunction is lacking for many child-serving providers as they work to prevent and mitigate Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). Through learning the building blocks of Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs) that prevent and buffer trauma, child-serving providers may become more effective in preventing ACEs and enhancing resiliency. Child-serving providers often focus on reducing deficits or mitigation of traumatic experiences, as opposed to building resilience to prevent traumatic experiences from occurring in the first place or strengthening the ability of children to bounce back when ACEs occur. The …

Self-Compassion And Emotional Regulation: The Moderating Role Of Adhd Traits In Clinical Mental Health Counseling Field Experience Students, Alicia N. Stewart

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This quantitative, cross-sectional, survey study explores the potential influences of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) traits on clinical mental health counseling students’ capacity for self-compassion and emotional regulation. This study is grounded in Kristin Neff’s self-compassion theory (2003). Data were collected using self-reporting measures via an online survey platform through Qualtrics. Participants in this study included students in a Council for Accreditation and Counseling and Related Educational Program-accredited Clinical Mental Health Counseling program currently enrolled in field experience courses including practicum, Internship I, and Internship II (N = 35) at a private southeastern university. This study used a Pearson’s r …

A Phenomenological Study On The Experiences Of Educators As Mentors For Homeless And Highly Mobile Students In A Rural Community, Tracy Dawn Mcpheron

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study is to explore how educators perceive an implemented mentoring program in which they will serve as mentors of homeless and highly mobile students in a rural school district. The mentoring program will include educators working as mentors to students coded as homeless through the McKinney-Vento Act for Homeless Education. The educators participating in the mentoring program will be the participants in this study. The participants will include middle school (6th-8th grade) through high school (12th grade), teachers, counselors, librarians, the district’s homeless liaison, and the federal programs coordinator for an East Tennessee school …

The High Cost Of Care: A Georgia Qualitative Study Of High School Counselors' Responsibilities And Their Well-Being, Shadiqa Techell White Points

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Secondary school counselors play a vital role in supporting the students’ academic, social, emotional, and vocational development. However, the increasing scope of their duties - especially in response to increased demands on student mental health and the lasting consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic - has led to an increase in the emotional and psychological demands placed on them. While there is a large body of research examining student outcomes, qualitative studies that analyze the ways counselors understand the effect of their professional roles on their personal well-being are scarce. The current qualitative study assumed a hermeneutic phenomenological orientation to examine …

Phenomenological Study Of Counselors Working As Community Response Team (Crt) First Responders For Mental Health And How They Cope With Stress And Burnout, Modupe Adekunbi Olaniyan

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the experiences of counselors working as Community Response Team (CRT) first responders for mental health crises and to describe how they cope with job stress and burnout. The study involved 12 participants who were interviewed via Zoom. Participants were selected using criterion sampling, and the research sites were located in the Metropolitan area of the east-central United States (Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia). The theoretical framework guiding this study was the Transactional Model of Stress and Coping (TMSC) developed by Lazarus and Folkman (1984). Recent literature on job stress and burnout, …

Mental Health And Well-Being Of Hispanic Pastors In Central Florida: A Phenomenological Study, Darice M. Santos

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The topic of pastors' psychological well-being and health has been studied in a variety of approaches. The forthcoming research concentrated on the effects that the responsibilities and pressures of working at Hispanic churches have on Hispanic pastors in Florida. Given the difficulties they face, such as prejudice, discrimination, and a low standard of living, this population required further study. This study explored the pastor's role and involvement level and how it connects to social support and burnout. This qualitative study provided insight on how Hispanic pastors in central Florida handled their mental health and perceived their job as pastors. A …