Social Psychology Commons^™

Mindfulness, Race-Related Stress, And Relationship Satisfaction Among African American/Black Couples, Leshai Hunt

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Research indicated positive correlations between relationship satisfaction and mindfulness among White couples. However, researchers had not examined the relationship between mindfulness and relationship satisfaction among African Americans/Blacks who had experienced race-related stress. Race-related stress affects African Americans/Blacks in their daily lives and relationships. The purpose of this quantitative nonexperimental study was to investigate the relationship between mindfulness, race-related stress, and relationship satisfaction among African Americans/Blacks. Mindfulness relationship theory and Africana womanism were used to guide the study. Survey data were collected from 51 African Americans/Black participants. Results of multiple regression analysis indicated that mindfulness was a statistically significant predictor of …

Examining Trust And Its Influence On Emotional Self-Disclosure, Demetria Thomas-Masso

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Communication is an important aspect of a relationship of any kind as thoughts, feelings, and ideas are conveyed from one party to the other. However, communication styles vary, which can contribute to lack of comprehension of content among individuals resulting in misinterpretation. This study focused on examining whether trust, an identified variable indicative of a secure relationship, could influence individuals’ willingness to emotionally self-disclose within a romantic relationship. One hundred fifty-eight individuals were randomly placed into one of three groups (two were priming groups) for the purpose of assessing whether trust influenced their willingness to disclose their emotions to their …

A Correlational Investigation Of Father Emotional Presence And Gender Role Identity In African American Women, Malika Dandridge

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The psychological well-being and gender role development of a woman is greatly affected by the emotional presence of her father growing up. Until recently, most of the research on father-daughter relationships has been done on Caucasian working-class families, and very little has been done on father-daughter relationships in the African American community. The purpose of this study was to examine the role of a father’s emotional presence (dependable, involved, engaged) and uncover whether this type of presence was correlated with a woman’s gender role identity among African American women aged 18 years of age or older. The socioeconomic status (working …

The Need For Belonging For Previously Incarcerated Probationers, Alaina Elam

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Research on offender rehabilitation has primarily focused on providing those who are incarcerated with programs and resources to mitigate the circumstances that would lead to recidivism. There is an absence of research on how the need for belonging could reduce recidivism in probationers. Recidivism remains a social problem for many U.S. communities, as those being released are not properly equipped for their transition. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences of probationers regarding their transition into their community, recidivism, and their need for belonging. As individual fulfillment and human motivation were examined, Maslow’s self-actualization …

Mindfulness, Race-Related Stress, And Relationship Satisfaction Among African American/Black Couples, Leshai Hunt

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Research indicated positive correlations between relationship satisfaction and mindfulness among White couples. However, researchers had not examined the relationship between mindfulness and relationship satisfaction among African Americans/Blacks who had experienced race-related stress. Race-related stress affects African Americans/Blacks in their daily lives and relationships. The purpose of this quantitative nonexperimental study was to investigate the relationship between mindfulness, race-related stress, and relationship satisfaction among African Americans/Blacks. Mindfulness relationship theory and Africana womanism were used to guide the study. Survey data were collected from 51 African Americans/Black participants. Results of multiple regression analysis indicated that mindfulness was a statistically significant predictor of …

Emotional Intelligence And The Perceived Emotional Effects Of Cyberbullying In The Workplace, Madonna Navarro

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Cyberbullying is a growing problem that has had a negative impact on the health and well-being of employees, which ultimately affects the success and productivity of organizations. In their four branch model of emotional intelligence, Mayer et al. stated that having the ability to perceive emotions, facilitate thought, understand emotions, and manage emotions was important in being able to regulate oneself and overcome adversities. This was the theoretical framework used for the study. The purpose of the current study was to determine what type of emotional effect priming emotional intelligence would have in the presence of perceived cyberbullying in the …

Relationship Changes Of African Americans With Nontraditional Spiritual Practices, Della Sanders

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Researchers have explored the subject of belongingness for decades. However, there is limited research on how belongingness may change for African Americans who transitioned from traditional Christianity to other spiritual practices. In this study, the relationship changes (in terms of family, friends, significant others, and former church relationships) of African Americans who identify as spiritual but not religious (SBNR) after leaving traditional Christianity were explored. The theoretical framework of the social connectedness theory was used to explore the need for belongingness to avoid social isolation and loneliness within a social network. Six African American Generation Xers, four women and two …

Youth And Family Factors Affecting Completion Of A Diversion Program, Teresita Nuguid

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (FDJJ) has launched several diversion programs for at-risk youth in the state of Florida. Prior studies revealed the efficacy of diversion programming in helping mentally ill individuals, the community, and the criminal justice system. This study addressed a gap in the literature regarding how youth and family factors and characteristics can determine program completion. The purpose of this quantitative study was to investigate youth and family factors and characteristics associated with program completion for participants in diversion programs in the state of Florida. The family systems theory used for this study supports the idea …

Experiences With Online Video Conferencing Therapy Among Former Military Service Members With Ptsd, Lanier Wells

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has become a major mental health concern for veterans transitioning to civilian life. This qualitative phenomenological research study focused on interviewing 20 former military service members diagnosed with PTSD to understand their experiences related to online video conferencing therapy. The theoretical foundation of this study was guided by Beck’s cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) model. The open-ended research questions examined veterans diagnosed with PTSD perceptions, attitudes, and opinions related to online video conferencing therapy, prior to and during the Covid-19 pandemic. Semi structured interview questions and a demographic questionnaire was used to collect data from participants who …

Self-Identified Atheists In 12-Step Substance Use Disorder Treatment And Aftercare, Elizabeth Clare Bayley

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The Minnesota model is ubiquitous in the United States for the treatment of substance use disorder (SUD). The model uses 12 steps and is centered on a belief in god(s) or a higher power; however, it is anathema to an atheist worldview. Researchers have noted that atheists do not readily become involved with 12-step programs and tend to drop out; however, there had been no qualitative investigations of the lived experiences of atheists in 12-step SUD treatment. The purpose of this study was to determine whether 12-step SUD treatment was problematic for atheists. An integrated theoretical framework was used. Minority …

The Biopsychosocial Impact Of Racial Discrimination Among African Americans, Amy Renae Amin

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between racial discrimination and anger, stress, and obesity. The stress-disease model provided a theoretical perspective of the biological, psychological, and social pathways from stress. Past research regarding the correlation between racial discrimination, anger, stress, and obesity reported a possible connection, but results have been mixed. This research expanded upon existing literature that proposed that blatant or subtle experiences of racial discrimination are pathways to mental and physical health consequences. The hypothesis was that there was a significant relationship between racial discrimination and the levels of stress, anger, and obesity. Racial …

The Effects Of Transformational Leadership Coaching On Player Mental Toughness, Richard Anthony James Finch

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Mental health in adolescents is a growing concern, with between 10 and 20% experiencing problems globally. In this study, transformational leadership coaching was assessed to determine if it effectively reduced the prevalence of mental health issues in adolescents by assessing their mental toughness. No previous studies have examined the relationship between these variables in this population. Transformational leadership theory is the theoretical framework for this study which empowers individuals, developing confidence and producing leadership qualities. Mental toughness is a six-factor construct consisting of life and emotional control, commitment, challenge, interpersonal confidence, and confidence in one's abilities and assessed using the …

Social Experiences Of Muslim Americans Regarding The Intolerance Displayed By Non-Muslims, Munder Abderrazzaq

Journal of Social, Behavioral, and Health Sciences

Non-Muslims in the United States have openly expressed their opposition regarding Muslim Americans, which has led to the racial profiling and unequal treatment of Muslim Americans. Literature regarding the intolerance displayed by majority members indicates a need for further research that explores the point of view of minorities in the United States. Intolerance is defined as the refusal and unwillingness to respect or tolerate persons of a different social group or members of minority groups who hold beliefs contrary to one’s own. The intolerance displayed among members of different religious and cultural backgrounds can limit the ability to discover new …

Social Distancing In The Context Of Covid-19 Anxiety: A Social Cognitive Approach, Allyson S. Graf, Abigail Nehrkorn-Bailey, Amy Knepple Carney

Journal of Social, Behavioral, and Health Sciences

As the impact of COVID-19 continues, engagement in social distancing is essential. Using Social Cognitive Theory, the current study examined the unique roles of COVID-19 anxiety and self-efficacy on the relationships between information-seeking and risk perception as predictors of social distancing intention. A convenience sample of 960 adults (M = 37.81 years, SD = 11.65) completed an author-designed online survey. Participants completed measures on behavioral intention, information-seeking, risk perception, COVID-19 anxiety, and self-efficacy. Moderated mediations examined the theoretically proposed relationships among the variables. COVID-19 anxiety moderated the relationship between risk perception and self-efficacy, but not the association between information-seeking …

Design, Development, Implementation, And Support (Ddis): A Curriculum Supporting Online Doctoral Candidates, Donna Russell

Higher Learning Research Communications

Objectives: The purpose of this paper is to comprehensively describe and justify the case design of an approach for the integration of synchronous virtual meetings to support nontraditional online doctoral candidates. As more nontraditional doctoral students are completing their degree programs virtually through online universities, the nature of their degree progression and the development of critical knowledge and skills differ from traditional on-campus programs.

Method: The case design of an approach to integrating synchronous online interactive meetings to support these learners is identified and justified through references to research in the learning sciences including sociocultural learning, heutagogy, and constructivist instructional …

Neurodiversity And Workplace Social Capital Effects On Employee Attitudes And Intentions, Alice Edwards

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Neurodivergent employees have higher turnover rates than their neurotypical peers, andmuch remains unknown about how to improve their workplace experience. The purpose of this quantitative study was to examine the relationships between neurodiversity and workplace social capital on job satisfaction and turnover intent. Social cognitive career theory (SCCT) informed the study design. Working adults (N = 1,243) in the United States recruited using convenience sampling and MTurk participated through an anonymous online survey. Data analysis was conducted using three-way ANOVA and mediation. Significant three-way interactions were found between gender, job classification, and likelihood of having attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) …

The Lived Experiences Of Muslim Americans Regarding Prejudice And Discrimination By Non-Muslims, Munder Abderrazzaq

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Opposition to Muslim Americans in the United States is openly expressed by majority members, which includes profiling and a recent presidential campaign proposing a “ban on Muslims.” There is a lack of qualitative studies in the United States that explore minorities’ point of view of about the tolerance displayed by majority members. Tolerance involves a degree of restraint about the disapproval and dislike of others of different religious, racial, political, and cultural backgrounds. This limits the ability to develop and implement appropriate policies that are needed to promote positive social change. In this phenomenological study, semistructured interviews were used to …

The Effect Of Victim’S Responses To Coercive Sexual Harassment On Bystander Intentions And Moral Perceptions, Inna M. Learn

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Female graduate students are targets of coercive sexual harassment (SH) three times more than female undergraduates; 67.8% of their harassers were university faculty. While SH victims expected peer support, peers often socially rejected female victims of coercive SH. Gray and Wegner’s theory of dyadic morality and Bowes-Sperry and O’Leary-Kelly’s bystander response model guided this quantitative study to examine the effect of victim response on helping intentions by peers. After reading the same vignette that described coercive SH, 207 student participants read one of four randomly assigned victim’s responses: victim did nothing, directly confronted the professor during the incident, sought peer …

Effects Of Mass Shootings On Life Satisfaction Of First Responders, Hanna M. Garza

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Mass shootings are devastating events that occur in many communities in the United States. Mass shootings bring significant psychological distress and contribute to the development of trauma. The communities affected by mass shootings rely on an effective and efficient response from first responders who assist survivors by providing psychological and physical assistance. Because first responders are the first to deal with the aftermath of mass shootings, they assume immediate secondary trauma. The purpose of this quantitative correlational study was to examine whether a statistically significant relationship existed between the independent variables of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and the three …

A Sense Of Hope: Parents Treating Their Epileptic Child With Cannabidiol, Jennifer Nguyen Potage

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Epilepsy is the most common neurological condition in the world. Of those affected, about 30% are treatment-resistant, making it difficult for symptom relief. Children are also among those affected by epilepsy, and the unpredictable epileptic symptoms often induce stress, anxiety, confusion, depression for the parents/caretakers. Furthermore, epilepsy is a condition that can impair cognitive abilities, social interaction, and physical ailments. Antiepileptic drugs are the common medical treatment for epileptic symptoms. However, parents have often reported minimal positive change, ineffectiveness, and negative side effects that included nausea, fatigue, rash, insomnia, change in personality, cognitive impairment, and diarrhea. A review of the …

Relationship Between Religious Beliefs And Systems, Educational Levels, And Victim Blaming, Frances Runyon

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Sexual assault and victim blaming are a severe problem. Being sexually assaulted increases the risk of physical and mental health issues for the victims. When the victims are blamed for being sexually assaulted, their physical and mental health issues increase substantially. Many victims do not seek help or support services because of the fear of being blamed. People believe in a just world, and blame the victims because it is more difficult to accept that bad things happen to good people. When people admit that bad things can happen to good people, they acknowledge that these things can happen to …

Parents' Perceptions Of And Reactions To Their Child's Intergroup Marriage, Theresa Aikens

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Researchers have found that parental support and acceptance are integral to the success of interracial romantic relationships (IRRs) and well-being of interracial romantic relationship participants (IRRPs). Research on couples involved in IRRs is prevalent, but researchers neglected to include the perspectives of the parents of the IRRPs. The lived experiences of parents of adult children involved in Black-White IRRs and their perceptions of societal reactions to the IRR were explored to better understand the mechanisms behind parental support or disapproval of IRRs. Bronfenbrenner's PPCT model of bioecological theory allowed for a focus on a parent's development within the parent-child relationship …

Perceptions Of Help-Seeking Experiences Among Female Veteran Survivors Of Military Sexual Assault, Hiza Jackson-Price

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

AbstractThe numerous obstacles that female military sexual assault (MSA) survivors face after discharge from military service are well documented in research. However, there is a need for qualitative studies regarding perceptions of female veterans’ help-seeking experiences in disclosing MSA to understand how to encourage them to seek help and provide it for them when they do seek help. Based on this scarcity of knowledge, this study aimed to provide a voice to this population as well as provide results that can be used to aid this population. A social constructionist perspective, which postulates that knowledge and experience are constructed by …

Young Adults' Perceptions Of Recreational Marijuana Usage: A Phenomenological Investigation, Dr. Eric Franklin Prince

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

AbstractYoung adults as a whole are not making informed decisions about recreational marijuana usage. A lack of information about recreational marijuana usage is being circulated through advertising causing young adults to have false perceptions on the subject matter. Many young adults perceive marijuana as non-harmful in its totality, which contributes adverse side effects to their health. Young adult lived experiences were explored in the current study to discover, if they currently have a comprehensive understanding on the psychological and physiological outcomes associated with recreational marijuana use. The purpose of this study is to provide a better understanding of young adults …

The Use Of Social Media In Moderating Feelings Of Belongingness And Suicidal Ideation Among Women, Latasha Davidson

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Suicide among women in the United States increased significantly over the last decade, now accounting for six suicides per 100,000 population. Concurrently, there has been an increase in social media use, with women exhibiting elevated presence on social networking platforms. Grounded in the theoretical framework of the theory of suicide and the interpersonal theory of suicide, the purpose of this quantitative nonexperimental study was to evaluate the association between social media use, feelings of belongingness, and suicidal ideation to address the increased suicide rate among adult women in the United States. One research question focused on how social media use …

Attitudes Toward The Electability Of Atheist And Nontraditional Religious Candidates, Brittany Escobedo

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Atheists are underrepresented in political office compared to their numbers in the general population. In the United States, anti-atheist prejudice is prevalent, likely contributing to the disparity in atheist representation. Informed by social identity theory and the sociofunctional approach to prejudice, the purpose of this study was to examine the comparative electability of atheists compared to other minority religious identities, as well as one nonminority option for a baseline reference of attitudes. Using the voter likelihood scale and three 7-point semantic differential scales, 579 participants rated their intention to vote for and their feelings of trust, disgust, and fear toward …

Educators’ Perspectives Regarding The Influence Of Prison Education Programs On Recidivism, Deana Payton

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Several factors impact whether inmates are successful upon release. Lack of education and job skills are critical reasons for unsuccessful reintegration. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to explore the perceptions and observations of prison educators regarding inmate participation and motivation in prison education programs. Cloward and Ohlin’s opportunity theory provided the framework for the study. Data were collected from semistructured interviews with eight prison educators. Results of axial coding and thematic analysis resulted in four themes: time commitment, access to programs, negative interaction, and incentives. Findings indicated that from the educator’s perspective, inmates who were motivated and …

Volunteer Motivation Of Individuals In Rural Pacific Northwest, Lenea Kindred Pierzchanowski

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Volunteering is a selfless social action in which an individual chooses to participate through personal motivations. These actions of public service are a combination of need-based vacancies within organizations and unpaid compensation for filling those needs. The purpose of this research was to identify motivational attributes of individuals who volunteer in the identified rural area using one-on-one semi-structured interviews through the lens of the volunteer process model, in addition to the social identity, ecological, and social capital theories. The 15 participants for this study were over the age of 18, fluently spoke and read English, and had been a volunteer …

Cultural Differences Among Psychologists In Pursuit Of Self-Care, Lisa Paliotta

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Psychologists experience a myriad of professional stressors and barriers to self-care that can affect their well-being and ability to offer effective care to patients. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between demographic variables, professional stressors, barriers to treatment and help-seeking behaviors among psychologists. Using a revised Bearse survey and the professional quality of life measurement, data were collected and analyzed using analysis of variance and hierarchical multiple regression. The 235 respondents comprised 74% women, 62.3% European American, and 56.2% reported having a PhD in psychology. Findings indicated significant differences between non-European American and European American ethnic …

Nurse Perspectives Of Trauma-Informed Care, Lee Ann Blazejewski

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

There is growing interest in trauma-informed nursing methods to better respond to the needs of patients with histories of adverse childhood experiences and other traumatic events. Recent advances in the understanding of how trauma can negatively affect long-term health outcomes have fostered a shift towards trauma-informed care as a method to decrease patient retraumatization in nursing practice. With the implementation of trauma-informed care in many areas of healthcare and public health, several challenges have been exposed. The purpose of this study was to examine nurses’ lived experience of implementing trauma-informed care into nursing practice for the care of patients with …