Give Them Their Roses: Honoring Student Affairs Professionals Of Color Combatting Secondary Racial Battle Fatigue At A Historically White Institution,
2025
University of Massachusetts Boston
Give Them Their Roses: Honoring Student Affairs Professionals Of Color Combatting Secondary Racial Battle Fatigue At A Historically White Institution, Julián X. Latshang, Julián X. Latshang
Graduate Doctoral Dissertations
This dissertation explores the phenomenon of Secondary Racial Battle Fatigue (SRBF) and its impact on student affairs professionals of color in higher education. Grounded in critical qualitative inquiry and the lived experiences of participants, this study examines how emotional, behavioral, and physiological effects of SRBF manifest both through professionals’ direct racialized experiences and their roles supporting students enduring racial trauma. Framed by Racial Battle Fatigue (Smith, 2010) and Secondary Traumatic Stress (Figley, 1995), the research addresses three guiding questions: (a) How does SRBF manifest in professionals of color? (b) In what ways does it emerge when supporting racially traumatized students? …
Qualitative Analysis Of Chaplains’ Experiences Supporting Military Service Members And Veterans With Moral Injury,
2025
Liberty University
Qualitative Analysis Of Chaplains’ Experiences Supporting Military Service Members And Veterans With Moral Injury, Marangely Mesa
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
This transcendental phenomenological study explored the frequent themes identified by chaplains while supporting service members and veterans (SM/V) from diverse Christian denominations, such as Catholics, Protestants, and other Christian groups, who have suffered a moral injury. I described the lived experience of chaplains using in-depth surveys as part of a phenomenological approach to data collection. In the qualitative interview, the interest is hearing the chaplains’ thoughts on the nature and manifestations of moral injury in chaplaincy contexts. The study explored chaplains’ observations concerning what service members and veterans have in common when they experience moral injury. This qualitative research approach …
The Lived Experiences Of Neurodivergent Students In A Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program: A Qualitative Study,
2025
Liberty University
The Lived Experiences Of Neurodivergent Students In A Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program: A Qualitative Study, Tracy Lynn Meyer
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
As postsecondary institutions strive to become more inclusive for students with disabilities, increasing numbers of neurodivergent students are enrolling in higher education. However, retention rates for neurodivergent students remain significantly lower compared to their neurotypical peers. This disparity presents challenges for institutions where there is a lack of awareness of and understanding how to effectively support the needs of neurodivergent students, particularly in clinical mental health counseling programs. This qualitative study analyzed the experiences of neurodivergent students diagnosed with autism, ADHD, traumatic brain injury, or related conditions in a clinical mental health counseling program. Through a Semistructured interview, the study …
A Qualitative Study Exploring The Effects Of Adverse Childhood Experiences On Development And The Role Of Resilience In Shaping Adult Life,
2025
Liberty University
A Qualitative Study Exploring The Effects Of Adverse Childhood Experiences On Development And The Role Of Resilience In Shaping Adult Life, Rebecca Anderson
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
This qualitative study investigated the impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on development and examines how resilience shapes adult outcomes. Early life experiences significantly influence an individual's lifelong development, with childhood experiences playing a particularly crucial role. Adverse childhood experiences, which encompass abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction, are recognized as a major public health concern due to their association with health disparities and psychosocial issues in various aspects of life, including substance use, relationships, education, and employment. Despite these challenges, some individuals demonstrate remarkable resilience, adapting to new circumstances and maintaining normal functioning in the face of adversity. Themes from …
A Phenomenological Study: The Role Of The Elementary School Counselor, As Perceived By The Elementary School Teacher,
2025
Liberty University
A Phenomenological Study: The Role Of The Elementary School Counselor, As Perceived By The Elementary School Teacher, Krista L. Williams
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
The purpose of the phenomenological qualitative study is to describe elementary school teachers’ perceptions of the roles and responsibilities of elementary school counselors within the Greenbrier County School District. E. G. Williams’s trait-factor theory is the guiding theory for this study. Three research questions guide this study: How do elementary school teachers perceive the role of school counselors, what roles and responsibilities of elementary school counselors do elementary school teachers feel they utilize most in their school, and what do elementary school teachers perceive to be the needs of their school related to counseling? Eight to fifteen teachers from nine …
Connection Matters: Exploring The Effects Of Attachment On Human Flourishing Within Ncaa Division 1 College Athletes,
2025
Liberty University
Connection Matters: Exploring The Effects Of Attachment On Human Flourishing Within Ncaa Division 1 College Athletes, Zachary T. A. Clinton
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
With the continued growth and development of college athletics has also come increased awareness and concerns around the surging rates of mental health challenges and issues facing today’s student-athletes. This study was conducted to better understand some of the factors, specifically relationships, that might affect the overall well-being and human flourishing of NCAA Division 1 student-athletes. Rooted in the flourishing and attachment theories, this study investigated relationship interactions between parental attachment (X) and human flourishing (Y) through best friend attachment (M1), God-attachment (M2), and coach-athlete attachment (M3) conditioned at the level of playing time satisfaction (W). Following the distribution of …
The Nation’S Cold Becomes The Black Community’S Flu: A Phenomenological Study Of Vicarious Traumatization Amongst Black Clergy Affected By Community Violence,
2025
Liberty University
The Nation’S Cold Becomes The Black Community’S Flu: A Phenomenological Study Of Vicarious Traumatization Amongst Black Clergy Affected By Community Violence, Robyn C. Hill
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
Clergy are often the frontline community workers when it comes to mental health crises and trauma, especially those working within the Black communities. Black clergy frequently serve in environments with high community violence exposure and are usually subject to vicarious traumatization due to repetitive exposure to trauma narratives during their ministry work. However, studies on vicarious trauma have been geared more towards clinical mental health workers, while studies on clergy have focused more on professional burnout. The purpose of this phenomenological study is to understand the experience of vicarious traumatization of Black clergy who serve congregations that are exposed to …
Investigating Law Enforcement Retirement Resilience Through Narrative Inquiry: A Social Constructivism Analysis Of An Activist Artwork Anthology,
2025
Liberty University
Investigating Law Enforcement Retirement Resilience Through Narrative Inquiry: A Social Constructivism Analysis Of An Activist Artwork Anthology, Lisa Ann Burton
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
The purpose of this dissertation is to understand the transition from a traumatic career in law enforcement to resilient retirement. The investigation examines an African American Chicago police officer who served as a detective, bomb squad respondent, and hostage negotiator. Data collection and analysis are conducted according to Connelly and Clandinin narrative inquiry procedures (1990). Investigation was made regarding the familial, educational, professional, and personal experiences of Doctor Detective Melvin Hargrett. Data collection completed through guided interview transcripts was supported by photographs of his social justice artwork. The subject’s trauma processing is evidenced in his activist artwork themes since retirement. …
A Phenomenological Study Of Women Raised In A Single-Mother Household And How They Describe Success As Adults,
2025
Liberty University
A Phenomenological Study Of Women Raised In A Single-Mother Household And How They Describe Success As Adults, Nicole L. Nagy
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
The purpose of this phenomenological study was to understand how women in northeastern Ohio raised in single-mother households described a successful adult life. The theory guiding this study was the family systems theory developed by Murray Bowen between 1954 and 1959, as it defines support from family and social relationships for children raised in single-mother homes.Ten women who were raised in a single mother led household and who were identified as being successful as defined by the terms of this study participated. A qualitative phenomenological approach was utilized which allowed participants to provide detailed descriptions of their lived experiences through …
Managing Self-Care Among Black Male Licensed Professional Counselors: A Phenomenological Study Using Photovoice,
2025
Liberty University
Managing Self-Care Among Black Male Licensed Professional Counselors: A Phenomenological Study Using Photovoice, Sharon H. Beatty
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
The African Americans (Blacks) in the 1500s to 1600s represented beauty, resilience, and nobility, but history led to slavery, oppression, and trauma. Because of this history, Black male mental health counselors are experiencing systemic racism, stigmas, and underrepresentation in the counseling profession. However, there is limited research regarding Black male counselors’ self-care and wellness. Because self-care is becoming increasingly important to maintain optimal health and wellness, this transcendental phenomenological study explored African American male counselors' lived experiences and how they manage self-care personally and professionally. Data were collected from 10 African American (Black) male professional counselors in a semistructured interview, …
Military Spouses’ Lived Experiences In Remote Assignments Overseas: A Heuristic Study,
2025
Liberty University
Military Spouses’ Lived Experiences In Remote Assignments Overseas: A Heuristic Study, Veronica Carbajal
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
The heuristic study explored the lived experiences of military spouses accompanying service members on remote assignments overseas. Relatively little was understood about geographically remote assignments from U.S. military installations overseas. Numerous studies have investigated military spouses’ experience transitioning from military to civilian life, geographically remote location challenges within the United States, and culture shock related to overseas military installations, independently. To date, research on military spouses transitioning to nonmilitary communities in remote assignments overseas with their active duty service members is lacking. The qualitative heuristic phenomenological design implemented semi-structured open-ended interviews, a focus group, and reflective questionnaires for data collection. …
Financial Coaching To Improve Financial Well-Being: A Qualitative Descriptive Study,
2025
Liberty University
Financial Coaching To Improve Financial Well-Being: A Qualitative Descriptive Study, Jennifer A. Jessee
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine how effective a financial coaching program is for helping participants improve their overall financial well-being through short-term incremental steps moving toward obtaining long-term financial goals. Financial coaching is built on a client- and solution-focused approach, where participants set the pace and goals of the process, with a coach providing encouragement and motivation throughout this journey. Additionally, the coach is responsible for holding participants accountable for fulfilling their commitments and providing education and support in revising their goals when it becomes apparent they are struggling. The premise of financial coaching is to …
A Transcendental Phenomenological Study Of The Challenges Unique To Black Male Teachers Working In Title I Low-Income Schools In South Carolina,
2025
Liberty University
A Transcendental Phenomenological Study Of The Challenges Unique To Black Male Teachers Working In Title I Low-Income Schools In South Carolina, Tamika Levitt Lewis
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
Our entire educational process begins with K-12 as the teachers tasked with providing knowledge and guidance aid students to succeed academically and personally. Teaching in low-income, underserved communities often requires teachers to assume roles and responsibilities in addition to teaching to tend to the basic needs of students. There is a dearth of literature on counseling teachers, and even less on teachers working in this environment and specific populations. The responsibility of depicting positive male representation for students in high-poverty schools and communities can pose unique challenges for Black male teachers. Understanding the lived experiences of Black male teachers has …
The Effect Of God's Image On The Self Concept Of Pastors' Kids (Pks),
2025
Liberty University
The Effect Of God's Image On The Self Concept Of Pastors' Kids (Pks), Dedra Mikesha Forbes
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
This study explores whether and to what extent the self-concept of Pastor’s Kids (PKs) is affected by their image of God. The effect of God's image is mediated by stress. Previous research has shown that the pressures of living up to expectations have resulted in mental health disorders and emotional disturbances among PKs that manifest as depression and anxiety. Researchers have found that depression and anxiety often result from stress and stressors experienced by PKs, with types of stress that include harm, threat, and challenge. Such stressors are usually derived from pressures to fulfill familial, church, and peer expectations (Pond, …
A Study To Understand The Experiences Of Black American Christian Women In Leadership Positions Who Serve Within The Black Church,
2025
Liberty University
A Study To Understand The Experiences Of Black American Christian Women In Leadership Positions Who Serve Within The Black Church, Keyona N. Harper
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
This study contributes to the gap in academic literature through the identification of themes within the participants' experiences of being a Black American female leader within the Black church. This study uses a hermeneutic phenomenological qualitative design to understand the experiences of Black American Christian women in leadership positions who serve within the Black church. The findings offer insight into the role of race, gender, religion, and environmental factors in the human experience. Through this qualitative hermeneutic phenomenological research approach, data were analyzed to find universal themes of commitment to calling, pastor idolization, exclusion, navigating church culture, balancing personal and …
Emotional And Spiritual Support Assessment For Clinical Outpatient Staff At Lower Cape Fear Lifecare,
2025
Liberty University
Emotional And Spiritual Support Assessment For Clinical Outpatient Staff At Lower Cape Fear Lifecare, Jamie Champion
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
This action project in the field of pastoral counseling is designed to assess the level of emotional and spiritual support that clinical outpatient workers receive at Lower Cape Fear Lifecare. The problem is that clinical outpatient workers do not utilize spiritual care services for themselves, and the purpose of this study is to create and implement tools to increase chaplain utilization amongst team members. This action project utilizes qualitative and quantitative methods to collect data including surveys and interviews and a workshop, newsletters, and videos to disseminate to team members for education and encouragement. This project will help to identify …
Exploring The Lived Experiences Of Sub-Sahara African Catholic Priests On Their Transition Through The Covid-19 Global Pandemic In The United States: A Phenomenological Study,
2025
Liberty University
Exploring The Lived Experiences Of Sub-Sahara African Catholic Priests On Their Transition Through The Covid-19 Global Pandemic In The United States: A Phenomenological Study, Cornelius Kelechi Anyanwu
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19) has disrupted significant aspects of societal life worldwide, forcing individuals, communities, health organizations, educational institutions, consumer industries, and governments all over the world into unprecedented challenges. Likewise, religious organizations like the Catholic Church were not spared. African Catholic priests in the United States provide pastoral ministries in US dioceses and parishes, fulfilling the roles of shepherding their congregations and offering spiritual, moral, social, and emotional support in times of great adversity, such as the COVID-19 global pandemic. This transcendental phenomenological qualitative study was conducted to explore how sub-Saharan African Catholic priests …
Examining The Relationship Between Biblical Characters And Mental Health: Identifying A Christian's Well-Being,
2025
Liberty University
Examining The Relationship Between Biblical Characters And Mental Health: Identifying A Christian's Well-Being, Shanetia Sharie Chapman
Masters Theses
This thesis aims to examine the intersection between biblical texts and mental health within the framework of Christian belief systems. Through a critical analysis of key biblical narratives involving figures who exhibit experiences analogous to contemporary psychological struggles, this study investigates the influence of scriptural interpretation on believers’ perceptions of mental health and their coping mechanisms. By employing textual analysis, the research seeks to evaluate the potential of biblical teachings as therapeutic resources. Ultimately, this thesis aims to contribute to developing culturally and theologically informed approaches to mental health awareness and support within Christian communities.
Family Mealtime Experience Of Traditional Fathers Post-Covid-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study,
2025
Liberty University
Family Mealtime Experience Of Traditional Fathers Post-Covid-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study, Eric C. Tibbs
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
In 2020, COVID-19 impacted the world and transformed the way individuals and families operated and functioned daily. Lockdowns and restrictions forced families to stay home and find alternative ways of providing and living concerning employment, education, and family functioning. One particular area impacted by this phenomenon was how families operated and conducted family meals. During COVID-19, increases in family mealtime were seen to take place but little evidence was found regarding the quality of these mealtimes, the father’s experience, and what family functioning looked like after COVID-19. While family functioning and mealtimes during COVID-19 have been examined and analyzed over …
University Clinicians’ Experiences Of Supporting Student-Athletes In Seeking Support For Mental Health Needs,
2025
Liberty University
University Clinicians’ Experiences Of Supporting Student-Athletes In Seeking Support For Mental Health Needs, Megan Laurel Collins
Doctoral Dissertations and Projects
The purpose of this phenomenological study was to discover and understand the experiences of clinicians at Division I universities supporting university student-athletes. The theory that guided this study was Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory as it relates to the various systems in which people are connected and impacted knowingly or unknowingly. The data was collected from the participants who have experienced the phenomenon via virtual semi-structured interviews. Data analysis strategies were a textural description of the clinicians’ experiences, a structural description of clinicians’ experiences, and a combination of the textural and structural descriptions to convey the overall essence of the experience …
