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Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

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Full-Text Articles in Psychology

Which Virtues Are 'The' Virtues? A Rank-Ordered Analysis Of Virtues In Leadership, Maegan L. Winegar Apr 2025

Which Virtues Are 'The' Virtues? A Rank-Ordered Analysis Of Virtues In Leadership, Maegan L. Winegar

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The current research study was conducted from an Aristotelian and Christian understanding of virtue within leadership. Nineteen virtues were identified in the literature review and discussed as essential for living a life of eudaimonia or flourishing. Within the literature review, a gap was identified in the discrepancy between how the general public conceptualizes virtue and how philosophers, psychologists, and theologists understand virtue. Additionally, scientific research in leadership is inconsistent in the operationalization of virtue, which limits the ability to research virtues in leadership validly and reliably. Therefore, this study provided the general public with an online survey of 19 virtues …


The Leadership Barrier: How Organizational Support, Culture, And Stigma Influence Mental Health Utilization In The Nypd, Ian Demodna Apr 2025

The Leadership Barrier: How Organizational Support, Culture, And Stigma Influence Mental Health Utilization In The Nypd, Ian Demodna

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study examined systematic barriers that affect NYPD officers' utilization of mental health resources. Despite efforts to provide mental health resources, deep-rooted stigma, rigid organizational culture, and inconsistent leadership support continue to impede officers' utilization. A survey was distributed to two groups of police officers: officers with 5 years or less of active service (n = 548) and 15 years or more of active service (n = 880). The survey questions focused on leadership support, organizational culture, and stigma to assess the differences in mental health utilization. The results showed no significant differences between groups in utilization (p = .437), …


An Exploration Of Factors Impacting Child Welfare Professional Burnout: A Moderated Mediation Analysis, Jeffrey L. Nitz Apr 2025

An Exploration Of Factors Impacting Child Welfare Professional Burnout: A Moderated Mediation Analysis, Jeffrey L. Nitz

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Child welfare professionals (CWPs) have challenging and stressful jobs that routinely expose them to the traumatic narratives of children and other individuals. As a result of this, and when added to the reality that CWPs have a significantly higher average of adverse childhood experiences (ACE) compared to the general population, the prevalence of secondary traumatic stress (STS), burnout and high turnover rates is substantial. This non-experimental quantitative survey study of 212 direct service CWPs from both public and private agencies sought to examine the relationship of ACE scores to burnout, and whether secondary traumatic stress plays a mediating role in …


Adverse Childhood Experiences And Adult Nutrition; A Correlational Study, Tabitha Ostrout Apr 2025

Adverse Childhood Experiences And Adult Nutrition; A Correlational Study, Tabitha Ostrout

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

There is a wealth of knowledge surrounding adverse childhood experiences and their immediate consequences. In recent years, researchers have expanded the scope of studies to explore the long-term impact of these negative early childhood events. One focus of interest is examining the connection between adverse childhood experiences and adult nutrition. To further contribute to the body of knowledge, a quantitative research study was conducted to determine if there is a correlation between the two variables. Data was collected from 106 participants to analyze the impact that adverse childhood experiences may have on later adult nutrition, as well as to investigate …


Parental Experiences Of Work And Family Conflict While Parenting A Child With Cancer, Marshall Smith Apr 2025

Parental Experiences Of Work And Family Conflict While Parenting A Child With Cancer, Marshall Smith

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The occurrence of work-family conflict is one that many parents with children experience, however, working parents whose child has received a diagnosis of cancer face additional unique and seemingly insurmountable challenges in family and work expectations. The work and family conflict (WAFC) scale, caregiver distress scale (CDS), and financial toxicity (COST) instruments were completed via self-report by 156 participants. All 156 participants were organized into a crisis (n=15), chronic (n=90), terminal (n=49), or “other” (n=2) group based on the time since their child’s diagnosis, time-to-treatment, or type of diagnosis given. The participants in the “other” group were excluded as they …


The Relationship Of Physical Literacy, Motivation, Cognitive Function, And Academic Performance Among Elementary School Children, Meagan A. Hartman Apr 2025

The Relationship Of Physical Literacy, Motivation, Cognitive Function, And Academic Performance Among Elementary School Children, Meagan A. Hartman

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Physical literacy could promote the development of confidence and motivation to engage in physical activity, reducing chronic health issues within the United States. This study examined physical literacy and its relationship with motivation, cognitive function, and academic performance among fourth and fifth graders. Participants completed the Physical Literacy Assessment for Youth – basic (PLAYbasic), Motives for Physical Activity Measure (MPAM) and Raven’s Colored Progressive Matrices (RCPM), which measured physical literacy, motivation to engage in physical activity, and cognitive function, respectively. Academic scores from the Mississippi Academic Assessment Program (MAAP) were collected to measure academic performance. Scores from these measures were …


Military Retirement: The Spouse Experience At The Mct, Candace M. Kelp Apr 2025

Military Retirement: The Spouse Experience At The Mct, Candace M. Kelp

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This descriptive qualitative study aimed to understand the experiences of spouses as they transition out of the military alongside an active duty service member due to retirement. Current research highlights the stress that is involved for the retiring service member and even that of the family unit, however, there is little research available which explores the experiences of spouses as they transition from the military to civilian life alongside an active duty service member at retirement. The literature review brought to light this gap in research as it explored the military experience from both the active duty service member and …


A Hermeneutical Phenomenological Study Exploring Divorce In Blended Families, Steve Hudgins Apr 2025

A Hermeneutical Phenomenological Study Exploring Divorce In Blended Families, Steve Hudgins

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Marriages are supposed to be for a lifetime, but there is a gap in the research as to what is causing a high divorce rate in blended families. There is a research gap considering why divorce percentage rates are higher and more predictable than those of the first marriage. The causes of second divorces within blended families remain largely unexplored in the current reviewed literature; however, relationship studies are more prevalent on the specific roles, such as those of bio- and stepparents within the family. By revealing the research gap, researchers in the field of mental health can understand the …


Sanctification Of Marriage And Positive Religious Coping May Help Couples Be Resilient From Stress's Negative Influence, Amanda Sue Bills Apr 2025

Sanctification Of Marriage And Positive Religious Coping May Help Couples Be Resilient From Stress's Negative Influence, Amanda Sue Bills

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Marriage is the building block of society and as such is an important developmental stage. Unfortunately, studies suggest that stress could be harmful to marriages. However, many resilient factors have been found to protect marriages from stress such as good communication, secure attachments, gratitude and optimism, and religion. The Bible teaches that marriage was founded by God and is a sacred institution. Further, stress should be expected in life, is useful for learning and growth, and God will help his followers to cope with it. The current quantitative study sought to discover if viewing marriage as sacred and using positive …


Keeping The Faith: An Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis Of Christian Educators Working In A Public Elementary School, Katharine E. Knoeppel Apr 2025

Keeping The Faith: An Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis Of Christian Educators Working In A Public Elementary School, Katharine E. Knoeppel

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Spiritual growth and development are pivotal aspects of a Christian’s life journey. A Christian worldview to include consultation with scripture and prayer helps to support the morals and values necessary for such growth. American public-school systems have adopted a secular worldview which is devoid of creationism and His truth. With an increase in attrition rates and reported job-related stress among public school employees, a deeper understanding is needed to better understand current trends. This study focused on the lived experience of Christian educators working in a secular school system. Quantitative research was conducted investigating the impact of prayer, stress and …


Factors Associated With Clinician Confidence With Gender Identity Issues In Children, Elizabeth D. Hickman Apr 2025

Factors Associated With Clinician Confidence With Gender Identity Issues In Children, Elizabeth D. Hickman

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation explored mental health clinicians’ experience and self-confidence in their ability to identify and treat children with gender dysphoria. Gender issues are highly prevalent in the United States with an estimated 1.9 million individuals (about twice the population of South Dakota) considering themselves in the LGBT community. The American Psychological Association estimated that there were currently 106,500 licensed psychologists in the United States in a 2014 census. The United States Census population clock has the number of citizens to nearly 335 million people. Meaning that for every psychologist there are 3,146 potential clients. This is an overwhelming ratio of …


Resilience And Extrication Stories From Female Victims Of Narcissistic Abuse And Intimate Partner Violence During The Covid-19 Pandemic Isolation Period, Kristin A. Musacchio Apr 2025

Resilience And Extrication Stories From Female Victims Of Narcissistic Abuse And Intimate Partner Violence During The Covid-19 Pandemic Isolation Period, Kristin A. Musacchio

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

I studied the prevalence of narcissistic abuse and intimate partner violence during the COVID-19 pandemic’s isolation period. This research provides a nuanced understanding of the tactics and consequences of narcissistic abuse and intimate partner violence during a global health crisis. I uncovered ways in which the COVID-19 pandemic has affected preexisting abusive behaviors while simultaneously providing new opportunities, during the isolation period, for the abusers to control and manipulate their partners. I explored resiliency and religious coping strategies to understand the psychological healing process of female victims of intimate partner violence or narcissistic abuse. A qualitative approach was utilized to …


The Role Of Timing Of Developmental Trauma And Impacts On Attachment In African-Caribbean American Women: A Holistic Perspective, Zinetta Renee Baker Apr 2025

The Role Of Timing Of Developmental Trauma And Impacts On Attachment In African-Caribbean American Women: A Holistic Perspective, Zinetta Renee Baker

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Prior studies have shown that developmental trauma exposure in childhood negatively impacts attachment neurocircuitry, increasing risk for insecure attachments in adulthood, and deemed more prevalent among females and minorities, such as African American women. However, studies that specifically focus on ethnocultural contexts, initial developmental trauma exposure during specific developmental ages, and impacts on attachment, including attachment to God in African-Caribbean American women are limited. This study fulfilled those gaps in the literature by examining age of initial developmental trauma exposure and impacts on attachment with self and God in African-Caribbean American adult women with developmental trauma histories. Bioecological systems theory, …


Exploring Effective Leadership Styles In Adolescent Substance Abuse Treatment Programs: A Qualitative Study, Tony Terrel Curtis Apr 2025

Exploring Effective Leadership Styles In Adolescent Substance Abuse Treatment Programs: A Qualitative Study, Tony Terrel Curtis

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to examine the perceptions of adolescent addiction treatment counselors regarding effective leadership styles in addressing organizational, employee, and clientele needs. The study focused on leadership in substance abuse treatment programs, particularly the roles that various leadership styles, such as situational, servant, and transformational leadership, play in improving communication, organizational cohesion, and client care. Participants were 15 adolescent addiction treatment program counselors who had worked for at least 1 year and were currently residing in the southwest United States. Drawing from the contingency theory of leadership, the research revealed that different leadership styles …


Examination Of Supervisor Support Of Worker Mental Health: A Quantitative Survey Of Workplace Attitudes, Interventions, Values, And Support, Myra Hernandez Apr 2025

Examination Of Supervisor Support Of Worker Mental Health: A Quantitative Survey Of Workplace Attitudes, Interventions, Values, And Support, Myra Hernandez

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The aim of this study was to help understand mental health in the workplace. The research aimed to examine how supervisor attitudes (stigma) toward mental health, staff care values, and organizational mental health intervention and prevention training predicted supervisor confidence in supporting workers experiencing mental health issues and supportive behavior of worker mental health. This quantitative, relational, cross-sectional research design used regression and moderation analyses to examine and measure the variables. Quantitative data from a closed-question survey was analyzed. The G*Power analysis determined that a minimum of 77 participants were needed for the study. Target participants were supervisors 18 years …


The Perceived Impact Of A Faith-Based Divorce Support Group On One’S Spiritual Strength, Mental Health And Ability To Forgive Oneself And Others, Lauren Channing Moultrie Apr 2025

The Perceived Impact Of A Faith-Based Divorce Support Group On One’S Spiritual Strength, Mental Health And Ability To Forgive Oneself And Others, Lauren Channing Moultrie

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Faith-based support groups are an important offering by churches to provide resources and support to those in their community who are experiencing difficult circumstances. And for those who are going through a divorce and may question the support that they would receive within their church, the offering of a faith-based divorce support group can be encouraging. Faith-based divorce support groups may allow individuals to gather and learn about the divorce journey as they focus on mental health, forgiveness, spiritual growth, and other unique aspects of divorce. Due to the limited existing research on faith-based divorce support groups, I sought to …


Analysis Of The Relationship Of Spirituality And Spiritual Bypass On The Resilience Of Survivors Of Homicide In The U.S., Katie Ann Wiggins Apr 2025

Analysis Of The Relationship Of Spirituality And Spiritual Bypass On The Resilience Of Survivors Of Homicide In The U.S., Katie Ann Wiggins

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The quantitative study examined the influence of spirituality and spiritual bypass on the resilience of homicide survivors, an area with limited research. This correlational design used multiple regression analysis to investigate how spirituality and case solution status moderated the effects of spiritual bypass on the resilience of homicide survivors. While substantial studies address grief from natural and sudden loss, there have been few that explore the experiences of homicide survivors grieving loss due to murder. It was the researcher’s anticipation that there would be a positive effect between spirituality and resilience in addition to the negative effect on resilience from …


Mom, I’M Home: A Phenomenological Qualitative Study Of The Shared Experiences Of Adults Who Had A Stay-At-Home Mother, Darren Eldred Schmidt Apr 2025

Mom, I’M Home: A Phenomenological Qualitative Study Of The Shared Experiences Of Adults Who Had A Stay-At-Home Mother, Darren Eldred Schmidt

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe adults’ childhood experiences with a stay-at-home mother in the Western United States. To date, related studies on stay-at-home mothering have focused almost exclusively on the outcomes for mother and child during the time they are living together. None have examined more closely the long-term effects that stay-at-home mothering may have on children after they reach adulthood. The researcher sought to better inform couples, therapists, practitioners, and society in general regarding some of the long-term effects of having a stay-at-home mother. The family systems theory, wherein the family unit and its members …


The Lingering Wound: Examining The Interplay Of Cultural Mistrust, Help-Seeking Attitudes, And Race-Based Counseling Preferences Among Black Americans, Jean-Robert Langlois Apr 2025

The Lingering Wound: Examining The Interplay Of Cultural Mistrust, Help-Seeking Attitudes, And Race-Based Counseling Preferences Among Black Americans, Jean-Robert Langlois

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This mixed-methods study examined the relationship between cultural mistrust, help-seeking attitudes, and race-based counseling preferences among Black Americans. Prior research has suggested that there is a notable underutilization of mental health services within the African American community. There is a lack of studies that integrate both quantitative and qualitative methods to explore the reasons behind this underutilization. Participants were recruited through a convenient sampling method and a total of 74 individuals aged 18 and older agreed to take part in the study. The Client Preference Scale (CPS), the Cultural Mistrust Inventory (CMI), the Attitudes Toward Seeking Professional Psychology Help Scale-Short …


The Effects Of Reading Comprehension Intervention For Dyslexia, Amber L. Coggin Mar 2025

The Effects Of Reading Comprehension Intervention For Dyslexia, Amber L. Coggin

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

A quantitative study was performed to determine if Lindamood-Bell Reading Intervention had an effect on the self-concept, anxiety levels, and depression levels of individuals diagnosed with dyslexia. This quantitative study was also conducted to determine if a person’s age had an effect on the ability to learn coping mechanisms for dyslexia. Thirty-three participants, ranging in age from 7 to17 years-old were selected to participate in the study. All participants had a formal diagnosis of dyslexia and had not obtained the Lindamood-Bell Reading Intervention prior to participating in the study. The participants were divided into three age groups. Each participant completed …


The Correlation Of Intergenerational Faith On Black Families, Anita Serwaa Bonsu Mar 2025

The Correlation Of Intergenerational Faith On Black Families, Anita Serwaa Bonsu

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Parent-child relationships play a significant role in predicting human behavior during childhood development. As more individuals become religiously unaffiliated, this research explored the factors contributing to this reality. Many studies have highlighted the correlation of parents on behavior; however, few have examined the intergenerational closeness and religiosity within Black families in America. The primary goal of this study was to assess the correlation of parent-child closeness on intrinsic religiosity among Black families. The research asked the following question: Does parent-child closeness positively correlate with intrinsic religiosity among adult Black children? The sample consisted of 73 Black adults aged 18 years …


The Impact Of A Social Media Literacy Program On Adolescent Subjective Well-Being, Miranda L. Virone Mar 2025

The Impact Of A Social Media Literacy Program On Adolescent Subjective Well-Being, Miranda L. Virone

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study examined the impact of a Social Media Literacy (SML) program on adolescent subjective well-being. The research was conducted in a public middle school in rural western Pennsylvania, with 102 eighth-grade students participating in a six-week SML intervention as part of regular educational practices. The study utilized pre- and post-intervention assessments to measure changes in both SML and subjective well-being. Data analysis included paired samples t-tests to assess within-group effects and Pearson’s r correlation to evaluate associations between variables. Results indicated no statistically significant effect of the SML program on subjective well-being, leading to the rejection of the first …


History Professors' Attitudes About Civil War Monument Removal: A Qualitative Study, Natania Y. Piper Mar 2025

History Professors' Attitudes About Civil War Monument Removal: A Qualitative Study, Natania Y. Piper

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Violence in the United States is on the rise creating movements such as Black Lives Matter and others who call attention to ongoing racism in our country. One area of argument within the discussions of racism is the presence of Civil War monuments (CWMs) throughout the country. Many support the destruction, deconstruction, or relocation of these monuments, due to arguments that they are intended to demean and subjugate racial minorities. Others argue they do not carry this intent or meaning and are simply a memorial to former leaders. Little research exists that explores historian perspectives on this issue. The purpose …


You Belong With Me: Examining The Relationship Between Engagement In The “Swifty” Fan Community, Feelings Of Belonging, And Social Identity, Jessica Leigh Webb Mar 2025

You Belong With Me: Examining The Relationship Between Engagement In The “Swifty” Fan Community, Feelings Of Belonging, And Social Identity, Jessica Leigh Webb

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Belongingness and social identity shape human behavior and group dynamics, yet their relationship with fan engagement remains understudied. This study examines engagement in the “Swifty” fan community—fans of Taylor Swift—and its relationship with belonging and social identity. A quantitative, correlational design addressed three research questions: (1) the relationship between fan engagement and belonging, (2) the relationship between fan identification and belonging, and (3) the relationship between fan identification and social identity. Data were collected via an online Qualtrics survey incorporating the General Belongingness Scale, Three-Factor Model of Social Identity Scale, Popular Media Fan Identity Scale, and demographic items. The survey …


A Qualitative Look At The Impact Of Animal-Assisted Therapy On The Lived Experiences Of Recovery Home Residents With Co-Occurring Substance Use And Mental Health Disorders, Philip M. Papoojian Feb 2025

A Qualitative Look At The Impact Of Animal-Assisted Therapy On The Lived Experiences Of Recovery Home Residents With Co-Occurring Substance Use And Mental Health Disorders, Philip M. Papoojian

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is a commonly used intervention strategy for addressing psychiatric disorders comorbid with substance use in Europe but is a rarely used intervention in North America. As substance abuse continues to rise in contemporary Western culture, particularly in the United States, new interventions, including AAT, need to be considered. Cannabis abuse and opioid abuse are often comorbid with other psychiatric disorders such as alcoholism, general anxiety disorder, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and PTSD. The combination of these factors can stunt developmental processes. This study was designed as a qualitative exploration of the lived experiences of male substance users …


Exploring Mental Health, Future Rehabilitation, And Systemic Oppression In Inmates: A Qualitative Study, Vennissica F. Kelly Feb 2025

Exploring Mental Health, Future Rehabilitation, And Systemic Oppression In Inmates: A Qualitative Study, Vennissica F. Kelly

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study was to examine the experiences of systemic oppression in incarcerated inmates, with a focus on their emotional/psychological experience of systemic oppression and how it impacted their willingness to participate in rehabilitation programs. This phenomenological study used elements of the narrative approach to obtain the common themes that surfaced while communicating with the participants and focused on two areas: systemic oppression and how it affected the mental health of inmates and how it affected their willingness to participate in rehabilitation programs. For this purpose, systemic oppression was defined as systemic power used to control others. To …


Exploring The Lived Experiences Of Individuals With A History Of Dismissive Avoidant Attachment Who Have Earned Attachment Security In Romantic Relationships., Ibukunoluwa Oluwafunmilade Aromolaran Feb 2025

Exploring The Lived Experiences Of Individuals With A History Of Dismissive Avoidant Attachment Who Have Earned Attachment Security In Romantic Relationships., Ibukunoluwa Oluwafunmilade Aromolaran

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This phenomenological study, guided by John Bowlby’s attachment theory, explored the lived experiences of individuals with a history of dismissive avoidant attachment who have earned attachment security in romantic relationships. Using a qualitative design, the study employed snowball and convenience sampling to enroll eight participants. Semi-structured interviews were analyzed, and thematic coding identified key patterns related to dismissive avoidant attachment and the pathways to earning attachment security. Themes emerged regarding early caregiving experiences, including emotionally distant caregiver, physically absent caregiver, and neglect. In romantic relationships before earning attachment security, participants described themes of avoidance of emotional intimacy, self-sabotage, fear of …


Ethnic Identity And Acculturation: Mental Health Perceptions And Help-Seeking Behaviors Of College-Age Students With Sikh Punjabi Immigrant Parents, Manreet Kaur Feb 2025

Ethnic Identity And Acculturation: Mental Health Perceptions And Help-Seeking Behaviors Of College-Age Students With Sikh Punjabi Immigrant Parents, Manreet Kaur

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe the experiences of college-age children of Sikh Punjabi immigrant parents who were considering mental health treatment in Pennsylvania. The theory guiding this study was ethnic identity theory, which was developed by Jean Phinney. There were four research questions addressed: (a) How do college-age children of Sikh Punjabi immigrant parents describe their experiences when considering mental health treatment in Pennsylvania? (b) How do participants describe the impact of their parents’ perceptions regarding mental health when contemplating seeking mental health treatment? (c) How do participants describe their experiences discussing mental health–related topics with …


A Grounded Theory Study Of The Second Birth And The Processes Of Sanctification In The United States, With Special Attention To Communicating With God, Richard Bruce Williams Feb 2025

A Grounded Theory Study Of The Second Birth And The Processes Of Sanctification In The United States, With Special Attention To Communicating With God, Richard Bruce Williams

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The human experience of Christian sanctification and communicating with the God of the Bible was studied using a Constructivist Grounded Theory. The setting was the United States, a post-truth society with concurrent falling church attendance, diminished Bible reading, and deteriorating social discourse. Fifteen participants met the inclusionary criteria of a second birth experience over one year prior and over 18 years old. Research questions focused on facilitators and inhibitors of sanctification processes, how the participants perceived God communicated with them, and their resultant actions. Results demonstrated that participants reported that God used multiple communication modalities. Participants felt a great closeness …


The Impact Of Economic Stress On Marital Satisfaction, Luis Ventura Feb 2025

The Impact Of Economic Stress On Marital Satisfaction, Luis Ventura

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Marital satisfaction is considered a common index for measuring the stability and quality of marriages. Various factors have been considered to affect the stability and quality of marriages. In the context of the contemporary world, in which socioeconomic dynamics influence day-to-day existence, economic or financial stress is considered a factor that influences relationships. However, the extent to which economic stress affects relationships is unclear. This study examines the effect that economic stress (through its varied types) has on marital satisfaction. It applies a correlational research design where data is collected using quantitative survey questionnaires on a sample of 80 participants …