Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Electoral Justice Traits Of Youth-Led Election Violence In Nairobi’S Informal Settlements, Gezahegn Kebede Gebrehana

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Youth residing in Kenya’s informal urban settlements commonly engage in election-related violence, yet little is known about why this occurs. This study explored the triggers for the escalation of such violence in informal settlements, which has been characteristic of almost all elections held since the introduction of the multiparty system in 1991. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to understand lived experiences of young adults and community leaders who lived in one of Nairobi’s informal settlements who had witnessed the level of youth violence in the city. A conceptual foundation related to electoral justice that manifests in different …

African American, Sexual Minority Women Pursuing Resilience Following Childhood Sexual Abuse, Kastina Diane Hayes

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

In any form, child abuse is traumatic, and the effects can leave the individual psychologically scarred. Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) is a specific, worldwide problem that affects individuals of all ethnicities; however, CSA is most prevalent among African Americans in the United States. The adverse effects of CSA warrant proper coping strategies. Though negative coping strategies are innate, positive coping strategies are more beneficial. Sexual minorities are individuals whose sexual orientation or gender identity deviates from the majority of the population (i.e., heterosexuals). Sexual minority women (SMW) with histories of CSA face many tribulations and hardships. Resiliency is a form …

Optimizing The Use Of Normative Data In Dementia Diagnostic Evaluations, Laurie Holler

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Cognitive tests are typically scored and interpreted using an appropriate normative reference group, often similar age individuals with similar levels of education. Psychometric testing theory presupposes that demographic correction is always beneficial, supporting the ubiquitous use of age and education correction in clinical practice. In the context of dementia, however, there is some evidence suggesting that demographic correction (specifically age correction) may reduce the sensitivity of cognitive tests to age-related cognitive decline. It was hypothesized that age correction would reduce the utility of cognitive tests for detecting cognitive change in individuals with mild cognitive impairment and mild dementia due to …

Implementation Of Universal Basic Education Program In The North-Central Region Of Nigeria, Kazeem Oladimeji

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Government reports document that the North-Central region of Nigeria has experienced increased negative ineffectiveness of preschool education policy implementation. At the same time, other data suggest that key stakeholders' contribution is missing in the preschool education policy formulation and implementation processes. However, much less is known regarding specific key stakeholders’ perceptions that could help reverse this trend. Grounded in the advocacy coalition framework and appreciative inquiry, narrowing this knowledge gap was the purpose of this study. The research question focused on key stakeholders’ perceptions that could increase full participation and facilitate the establishment of more quality preschools in the region. …

An Evaluation Analysis On Public-Private Partnership Of Road Development By The State Of Virginia, Cavine Chavi-Ann Phillips

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The unremitting nature of road infrastructural development and the strain of internal budgetary issues have pushed many governmental agencies to seek the non-traditional procurement methods of a public-private partnership to satisfy their ongoing needs. Researchers have examined many regions that have used this non-traditional procurement type of public-private partnership to meet their infrastructural needs while facing budgetary issues. I reviewed the state of Virginia's usage of this non-traditional procurement method as an alternative method to traditional procurement to foster their road infrastructural developmental needs. The state of Virginia has used Public-private partnerships to bridge the current gap of the state’s …

Bridging Psychological Distance In Construal Of Climate Change Consequences Through Intergenerational Dialogue, David Ryan Richardson

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

As climate and environmental scientists work to address the practical challenges presented by global climate change, researchers examining environmental attitudes have obtained inconsistent outcomes in efforts to increase awareness and engagement with the topic to increase support for proenvironmental policies. Using construal level theory as the central framework, the purpose of this study was to examine whether construal level of long-term consequences of climate change (the dependent variable), assessed indirectly using the Environmental Attitudes Inventory scale, can be reduced by priming an individual to think of a temporally distal but socially proximal target (specifically, a genetic descendant) while engaging in …

Perceptions Of Community College Success Seminar Faculty Regarding First-Year Student Persistence, Ikpobari Dumletam Senewo

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Persistence of first-year, full-time students toward graduation at U.S. community colleges poses concerns for administrators, faculty, and policymakers. The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of faculty members teaching a college success seminar at an urban multicampus community college on what impedes or supports the persistence of these students through the first year. Tinto’s student departure and Astin’s student involvement theories served as the framework. Using a basic qualitative approach, interviews with 10 faculty members at a multicampus community college were analyzed using Creswell’s 6-step data analysis strategy. Findings suggested that sense of belonging, early connection to …

Relationship Between Organizational Trust, Communication, And Team Performance Within Virtual Teams, Cornelius Thomas Session

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Virtual teams have become a cost-saving strategy for global collaboration and training, but trust and communication failures decrease overall performance. Business leaders who fail to understand the relationship between organizational trust, communication, and team performance undermine global virtual teams’ full potential. Grounded in the life cycle of virtual teams’ theory, the purpose of this quantitative correlational study was to examine the relationship between organizational trust, communication, and team performance within virtual teams in the information technology (IT) industry. Data were collected from survey responses of 48 virtual IT business leaders who work in the Washington, D.C. metro area. The results …

Supervision Needs For Social Workers Providing Home-Based Treatment For Children And Families, Magda Demerritt

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Social workers providing home-based therapy services for children and families face challenges that make it difficult to provide efficient and effective treatment. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the supervision needs of social workers who provide treatment using the home-based service delivery model. The leader-member exchange theory was used to guide the study. Data were collected from a focus group meeting with 10 master’s-level social workers in Miami-Dade County, Florida. Findings from coding and thematic analysis revealed that participants’ needs involved being educated on the value of the home-based model, receiving support and guidance related to their …

Faculty Experiences Of Social Media Implementation In Online Classrooms, Ashley Lynn George

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Social media has become an integral part of the education process, with educators incorporating social media platforms both actively and passively within the learning environment. Yet, the implementation and usefulness of social media in the online learning environment as an educational assistance tool have not been adequately investigated. The purpose of this qualitative study was to understand how the incorporation of social media into the online learning environment is experienced by university faculty and if their experiences of use or required changes in pedagogy for implementation are affecting their ability or desire to implement the new technology. Individual virtual interviews …

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Within Risk-Needs-Responsivity In Treatment Of Sex Offending Psychopaths, Delita Gourdine Welch

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Debate exists that supports the integration of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) within risk-needs-responsivity (RNR) in treatment when managing the behaviors in diagnosed sex-offending psychopaths. Although sex offending psychopaths are challenging, they are not immune to managing their behavior and maintaining a positive lifestyle and they can benefit if they can be retained in treatment. Guided by the cognitive behavioral theory, the purpose of this study was to examine how therapists manage the behaviors of diagnosed sex-offending psychopaths when integrating CBT within RNR. Therapists in practice who integrate CBT within RNR with sex offending psychopaths, answered questions about several aspects of CBT …

Training And Experience As Predictors Of Principals’ Efficacy For Inclusive Education Implementation, Courtney Lynch

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Federal inclusion law requires that school administrators provide an equitable and legally compliant inclusive education for all students. Previous research has shown that successful program delivery is not possible without efficacious school leadership. Prior studies have also revealed that principals’ self-efficacy judgments are directly influenced by contextual and personal factors. Limited research-based inquiries have explored which factors contribute to administrator confidence as it relates to successfully implementing inclusive educational programs in particular. Grounded in social cognitive theory, the purpose of this nonexperimental, survey-based, quantitative study was to assess the extent to which facets of elementary school principals’ educational background, experience, …

Identifying Training Competencies To Enhance Community-Based Program After-School Volunteer Performance, Charlene Sanders

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

AbstractIdentifying Training Competencies to Enhance Community-Based Program After-School Volunteer Performance by Charlene Sanders

MS, Walden University 2017 BA, Hampton, 2016

Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillmentof the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Human & Social Services––General

Walden University May 2021   Abstract Between 2013 and 2014, 25.2% of 10th grade algebra students who worked with 870,000 adult volunteers in after-school programs in the United States met their goals of improved math proficiency scores. A gap exists involving volunteer training strategies for after-school programs that are effective in improving math proficiency of 10th grade math students. The purpose of this …

Predictors Of Recidivism For Offenders With Substance Use Disorders, Yvonne Cheeks

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

AbstractRecidivism is a substantial problem in the United States due to the number of paroles/probationers reoffending. The U.S. prison system has become the new asylum and a revolving door for individuals, which is even more true for those with substance use disorders (SUDs). Once these individuals leave prison, they are likely to end up reoffending at some point in the future due to substance use/abuse (i.e., committing crimes to support substance use, selling substances, etc.). Scholarly literature lacked studies examining the predictors of recidivism for offenders with SUD in North Carolina. . The purpose of this quantitative, correlational, cross-sectional study …

Emotional Intelligence, Resilience, And Stress Among Women In Treatment For Substance Disorders, Zummuna Zonzanna Davis

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Emotional intelligence (EI) is the ability of an individual to perceive, use, comprehend, and regulate emotions. While relationships between EI and risk of drug abuse have been explored, possible mechanisms through which higher EI may serve as a protective factor remain undefined; there was a need to understand how EI was related to stress among women with substance use disorders. The purpose of this study was to examine resilience as a mediator between EI and stress, a risk factor, among women in treatment for chemical dependency. The theoretical framework for this study was based on Salovey and Mayer’s EI model. …

Secondary Traumatic Stress Among Catholic Priests, Richard Ehusani

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Research suggests that the clergy could be at the risk of developing secondary traumatic stress (STS) because of their secondary exposure to trauma within pastoral work; however, there has been no explicit discussion of STS related to Catholic priests who may be more at the risk of developing STS than their counterparts in other churches. The requirement of priestly celibacy often leaves Catholic priests with little to no immediate social and emotional support network of family. Because of their sacred vow to keep the confessional seal unbroken in whatever circumstance, Catholic priests also may not share confessional information, even when …

Faculty Candidates' Lived Experiences During The Preemployment Hiring Process, Janet Grayson Chappell

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The lack of touch points of interaction during the preemployment hiring process for faculty candidates at public and/or for-profit institutions raised social quality concerns. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to discover the lived experiences of faculty candidates regarding the preemployment hiring process and social quality. Schuler’s social validity theory provided the framework for the study aiding to identify and address if there is adequate information, participation, transparency, and communication with the four mechanisms. The research questions helped discover and explore the faculty candidates’ perceptions toward the preemployment hiring process and incorporate specific suggested enhancements for a better …

Transnational Threats To Maritime Systems And Seaport Security, Eric L. Hampton

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

An assessment of a 16-year period since the 9/11 attacks indicated that more than 14,000 security breaches in which security measures at seaports were circumvented due to vulnerabilities occurred and more than 24,000 suspicious activity reports were made. The susceptibility of United States’ seaports to groups engaged in criminal activities, including drug trafficking, cargo theft, and smuggling of contraband and people undermines security practices and renders the nation vulnerable to acts of terrorism. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore seaport security measures to identify and understand internal and external factors that may impact protection practices at U.S. …

Effect Of Professional Exclusion Among Respiratory Therapists In The Icu, Tiffany Lubken

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This study was conducted to test how social exclusion, experienced through a culture of healthcare hierarchy, influenced the feelings/attitudes of respiratory therapists (RTs) who are excluded from discussions of end-of-life (EOL) care. Data analysis was conducted using a multivariate analysis of variance to address the research questions. A quantitative nonexperimental survey research design incorporating four evidence-based surveys was used. There was no significance found between professional exclusion from EOL care discussions and the abilities of RTs to collaborate with intensive care unit (ICU) team members within the shared decision-making model as it relates to providing care in the ICU. There …

Culturally Responsive Curriculum Implementation Of Middle School Principals In Southern Texas, Caroline Wendy Narine

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Although culturally responsive curricula are designed to educate students to be both socially and culturally successful, the curriculum implementation leadership practices middle school principals have used to support such curricula have been unclear. This study explored how middle school principals in southern Texas were supporting their teachers with implementing a culturally responsive curriculum in their schools. This basic qualitative study employed the applied critical leadership conceptual framework to explore the culturally responsive curriculum implementation leadership practices of middle school principals in southern Texas. The criteria for the selection of participants were 2 to 5 years’ experience as a principal in …

Strategies To Recruit Age-Diverse Volunteers For A Nonprofit Behavioral Health Organization, Karen A. Peters

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Volunteers are a crucial resource for behavioral health organizations, especially those that rely predominantly on a volunteer workforce for delivery of services. In such instances, the inability to maintain an adequate and age-diverse volunteer workforce threatens organizational sustainability and interrupts valued services to the community. A case study was completed to identify volunteer recruitment and retention challenges for a behavioral health nonprofit organization in the southwestern United States. The Baldrige Excellence Framework was used to guide the study, with emphasis placed on the assessment of the organization’s leadership, strategy, and workforce. Data sources included interviews with organizational leaders, organizational records, …

Perspectives Of Syrians In The Diaspora On The Foundational Factors Contributing To The Assad Regime Of State Repression (2000-2011), Ribhi I. Salhi

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Researchers from different social science backgrounds have studied the various practices of state repression but seldom acknowledge that state repression is a rival system between the government regimes and their dissidents. However, rival systems can lead to competing forces that will serve either the interest of the regime or their dissidents. Researchers also have not often used the perspectives of opposition groups in the diaspora to study state repression. Focusing on the rise and entrenchment of the Assad regime in Syria (from 2000-2011), this study aimed to discover and explore the various perspectives of Syrians in the United States about …

A Sese Uta, Ia Tonu Tai: Local Government Management For Climate Change Adaptive Practices, Casuallen Iulieta Atuatasi

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

American Samoa remains highly vulnerable to the effects of climate change and has not developed the adaptive capacity to ensure resiliency. The current regulatory system influences the policy decisions of local policy leaders and therefore affecting the territory’s adaptive capacity to climate change impacts. The purpose of this general qualitative interview-based study was to investigate the current governance framework and describe the factors in the territorial relationship that impact policy action of local policy leaders on climate change issues. The research question examined what major aspects of the current regulatory framework impact the policy action of local policy leaders on …

Understanding Postamnesty Youth Violence In The Niger Delta Region Of Nigeria, Joel Dimiyen Bisina

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The experience of youth with violence in the Niger Delta (ND) of Nigeria and the negative consequences to the nation are well-documented in the literature. Youth violence poses a significant threat to national security, economic survival, and Nigeria’s unity and regional peace stabilization. Literature on youths’ experiences with postamnesty violence in the ND is scant. Postamnesty represents the period immediately after the disarmament and demobilization of combatant youth following the proclamation of the presidential amnesty program in Nigeria’s ND. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to bring an understanding to postamnesty youth violence (PAYV) through the lived experiences …

Nursing Majors’ Attitudes Toward Suicide And Mental Health Training, Beverly Arleen Burton

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

AbstractThe mental health training of nursing majors may play a role in their levels of confidence in attending to suicide patients as working professionals. The purpose of this quantitative study was to explore what impact, if any, attitudes toward suicide had on nursing majors’ levels of confidence in their mental health training. Pender’s health promotion theory was the theoretical framework. A descriptive correlational survey was used to explore individuals majoring in nursing confidence and perceived skills in mental health training. The 4 research questions asked the relationship between the level of confidence in helping someone with a mental health problem …

Analysis Of Sexual Assault Policy Implementation Through The Narratives Of University Support Professionals, Rachel Cromheecke

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Sexual assaults occurring on university campuses are a national health crisis with statistics revealing 1 in 5 women and 1 in 16 men endure an unwanted sexual experience during their college career. The United States government has modified Title IX to update processes and resources educational institutions must provide to their students affected by sexual assaults. Educational institutions have increased educational resources to inform students about sexual assault prevention, how to recognize a sexual assault, where to go on campus for assistance, and where to report a complaint. However, studies have shown that over 90% of sexual assaults never get …

Emotional And Spiritual Intelligence, Psychological Ownership, Burnout, And Well-Being’S Effect On College Counselor Self-Efficacy, Lola Nixon Johnston

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

College counselors provide individual and group counseling, consultation and educational outreach services, and supervision for counseling interns as well as serving on committees. As a result, college counselors are at risk of burnout, which could affect self-efficacy. The purpose of this quantitative study was to assess the roles of emotional intelligence, spiritual intelligence, psychological ownership, burnout, and well-being in predicting counseling self-efficacy of college counselors, as emotional intelligence, spiritual intelligence, and psychological ownership have been shown to reduce burnout by enhancing well-being. Using Neuman’s system model as a theoretical guide, this study used a quantitative approach using a cross-sectional survey …

Addressing Work-Induced Stress And Depressive Symptoms In Police Officers, Demetrius Markey Latham Jr

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Police officers across the nation face a significant issue as it relates to work-induced stress and depressive symptoms. Specifically, the problem is the lack of preventative mental health services available to officers. This study aims to explore the perceived presence of work-induced stress and depressive symptoms in patrol officers employed by the Field Police Department (Pseudonym; FPD). To gather these data, the potential research participants were offered the ability to take an online anonymous survey. The results indicated that many of the survey participants were suffering from work-related stress and depressive symptoms. The research results further displayed many of the …

Parole Officers’ Perspective On The Needs Of Indigenous Offenders On Conditional Release, Ritesh Dalip Narayan

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Indigenous offenders are overrepresented in all aspects of the Canadian criminal justice system, including corrections. Indigenous offenders are overrepresented in the prison population and are least likely to be granted an early release from prison. Indigenous offenders also disproportionately breach their conditional release orders and consequently spend more time incarcerated than non-Indigenous offenders. To understand the reasons behind the breaches, need-based theoretical lenses were used to analyze data. Sixteen parole officers were interviewed using a narrative design where participants shared their accounts on supervising Indigenous offenders while highlighting the needs which they felt were not being met by their Indigenous …

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 …