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Full-Text Articles in Social and Behavioral Sciences

Spirituality After Divorcing In Older Age: A Hermeneutical Phenomenological Study Exploring The Impact Of Divorce On The Spirituality Of Older Adults Who Divorce In The Later Life-Span, Glenn Edward Evans May 2023

Spirituality After Divorcing In Older Age: A Hermeneutical Phenomenological Study Exploring The Impact Of Divorce On The Spirituality Of Older Adults Who Divorce In The Later Life-Span, Glenn Edward Evans

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutical phenomenological study was to describe the impact of divorce on the spirituality of people 50 and older whose marriages end after three or more years. Divorce is painful at any age, but this study focused on how people 50 and older who have lived by their spiritual beliefs for most of their lives were impacted. The study applied life-span theory, life course theory, and developmental psychology, as they offered integrated empirical guidance in studying human behavioral changes throughout a person's life. These theories provided a framework for exploring the central research question: How do participants …


Methodist Pastoral Retention: A Quantitative Analysis Of The Relationship Between Clergy Burnout And Self-Perceived Leadership Attributes., Joseph Francis O'Donnell May 2023

Methodist Pastoral Retention: A Quantitative Analysis Of The Relationship Between Clergy Burnout And Self-Perceived Leadership Attributes., Joseph Francis O'Donnell

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study targeted pastoral burnout symptomology and its relationship to self-perceived leadership attributes. Pastors experience a professional environment that call for ministering to their congregation's spiritual needs; however, additional social and business responsibilities often exist for which the pastor is poorly trained or improperly supported. These situations may cause high levels of stress and anxiety, challenging a pastor's self-perception of their leadership attributes. Eventually, this condition could promote the onset of burnout, which might compel the pastor to leave the ministry. As such, this research sought to establish whether a relationship exists between self-perceived leadership attributes and ministerial burnout for …


Pastors With Mission And Purpose Perceptions Of Strategic Leadership For The Church--A Multi-Case Study, Nancy Brown Smith May 2023

Pastors With Mission And Purpose Perceptions Of Strategic Leadership For The Church--A Multi-Case Study, Nancy Brown Smith

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative multiple-case study aimed to explore pastors’ perceptions of strategic leadership at churches in Virginia. This researcher sought to understand the strategic leadership of pastors with mission and purpose ways of growing thriving churches. This research defined strategic leadership as “the capacity to learn, change, and have managerial wisdom” (Boal & Hooijberg, 2001, p. 515) based on the Strategic Leadership Theory (Finkelstein & Hambrick, 1996). Declining church membership, attendance at services, or even closures is alarming (Felicetti, 2021), and this research may help churches facing such problems. A rationale for this study was to explore pastors’ viable avenues that …


The Mental Health Of Inmates: An Approach To Jail Reform, Courtney Isaac Anderson May 2023

The Mental Health Of Inmates: An Approach To Jail Reform, Courtney Isaac Anderson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The aim in this phenomenological study was to understand the impact the jail environment, policies, and procedures have on incarcerated individuals. Mental health problems are common among individuals in jail. Furthermore, the jail environment, harsh policies, and isolation from the public are believed to have a negative impact on inmate mental health. Elevated percentages of inmates experiencing psychiatric difficulties during their incarceration have been supported by research. It is suggested that the elevated percentages of psychiatric demands promote the lack of mental health assistance inside jails. A methodical analysis of literature was conducted to identify the circumstances of the jail …


The Intellectual And Diplomatic Discourse Of American Progressives And The Late Ottomans, 1830–1930, Brigitte Maricich Powell May 2023

The Intellectual And Diplomatic Discourse Of American Progressives And The Late Ottomans, 1830–1930, Brigitte Maricich Powell

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The American intellectual and diplomatic discourse with the late Ottoman Empire is an understudied field of history. Major works to date are primarily focused on the US relations with the Turkish Republic starting in 1924, which at best may highlight the Barbary Wars and the Treaties of 1830 and 1862 as a precursor. Few works offer, if any, a comprehensive insight into the diplomatic relationship that evolved between the US and the Near East from 1830 to 1930. This research is meant to fill the absence by probing into the service of key American diplomats and intellectuals who visited and …


An Intrinsic Case Study Of An Inclusive Special Needs Ministry In A Large Nondenominational Faith Community In Central Virginia, Kenneth Gene Warren May 2023

An Intrinsic Case Study Of An Inclusive Special Needs Ministry In A Large Nondenominational Faith Community In Central Virginia, Kenneth Gene Warren

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this intrinsic case study was to explore the special needs ministry of “Quality Church,” a large nondenominational ministry in Central Virginia. The theory that guided this study was Tajfel’s (1969) social identity theory, which provided a framework for understanding how attachment develops when there is a common social group connection. The central research question guiding this study was, “What ministries does Quality Church provide for children with special needs and their families?” Subquestions were as follows: “What is Quality Church’s vision for ministering to children with special needs and their families?” “What are the experiences of families …


Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Strategies And Adult Opioid Abuse: A Phenomenological Study Of Precontemplation To Contemplation Stage In Residential Treatment Programs, Victor White May 2023

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Strategies And Adult Opioid Abuse: A Phenomenological Study Of Precontemplation To Contemplation Stage In Residential Treatment Programs, Victor White

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for drug addiction is an effective treatment strategy, as a monotherapy and in combination with other therapies and treatment strategies. This phenomenological qualitative study described the struggles of adults diagnosed with opioid use disorder (OUD) and their experiences with how CBT strategies moved them to the contemplation stage of change in a residential treatment program. In the contemplation of change stage, the adults acknowledged that their opioid addiction behaviors are problems that need to be addressed, beginning with motivational interviewing. Utilizing the Cycle of Change Model (Prochaska and DiClemente), the Cognitive-Behavioral Theory (Aaron Beck), the Social …


Gratitude Impact On Organizational Citizenship Behavior, Employee Well-Being, And Three Generational Cohorts: Generation X, Millennials, Generation Z, Christie Leann Wolfenbarger May 2023

Gratitude Impact On Organizational Citizenship Behavior, Employee Well-Being, And Three Generational Cohorts: Generation X, Millennials, Generation Z, Christie Leann Wolfenbarger

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Gratitude has been associated with religious traditions and studied among several scholars over time. It has gained recognition among organizations due to its associations with positive work outcomes. The purpose of this quantitative, correlational study was to see if gratitude had a positive relationship with employee well-being and organization citizenship behavior (OCB) and to look for differences in the constructs among three generational cohorts: Generation Z, millennials, and Generation X. Data collected through an online survey using self-reported measures (n=731) were analyzed using the Pearson’s correlation and Kruskal-Wallis Tests. Completed surveys by cohort were Generation X (239), millennials (298), and …


Slava Propahandi (Glory To Propaganda): A Content Analysis Of Propaganda In The 2022 Russian Invasion Of Ukraine, Melanie Gardner May 2023

Slava Propahandi (Glory To Propaganda): A Content Analysis Of Propaganda In The 2022 Russian Invasion Of Ukraine, Melanie Gardner

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative study conducted a content analysis to examine the media framing and agenda setting that online news media outlets underpinned to portray President Zelensky and the Ukrainian military as heroes in their battle against the Russian military invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The media framing and agenda-setting of the news media coverage of the Russian invasion, as well as the utilization of multiple social media platforms by the Ukrainian military and President Volodymyr Zelensky, signifies a shift in the utilization of popular media for propaganda purposes. There is research on the broader topic of the successful use of propaganda …


Grit And Its Relationship With College Academic Success, Lisa Lyann Vance May 2023

Grit And Its Relationship With College Academic Success, Lisa Lyann Vance

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Low college completion rates are an unfortunate reality in the United States. Some researchers have shown that a higher level of grit assisted college students in earning a higher grade point average (GPA) and completing a college credential. My study focused on grit and its relationship to college GPA, course completion rate, and the number of activities and programs participated in during one semester, along with the interaction effects of grit with a growth mindset on GPA and course completion rate through five research questions. A survey was administered to community college students participating in a TRIO Student Support Services …


The Effects Of Music Tempo On Arithmetic Cognition Testing, Heart Rate, And Perceived Stress, Katelyn Allton, Matthew Chapin May 2023

The Effects Of Music Tempo On Arithmetic Cognition Testing, Heart Rate, And Perceived Stress, Katelyn Allton, Matthew Chapin

Applied Health Sciences Student Works

Thirty-one participants signed up for one 60-minute appointment. The participants took four Arithmetic Tests and rated their perceived stress for each test. The first was a pre-test which allowed the participants to practice the procedure, and no results were recorded. The second was the control test with no music played. The third and fourth tests were randomized to include the fast-tempo or the slow-tempo song. The data recorded was time (in seconds), heart rate, test score (percent correct), and Likert Scale score (number from 1-10) following each test. The data was all recorded in a secure, password-protected online excel sheet. …


Celebrity Affect, Social Media Fandom, And Parasocial Interactions: A Thematic Analysis Of Fan Reactions To Kris Wu’S Sexual Scandals In China, Yan Zhao May 2023

Celebrity Affect, Social Media Fandom, And Parasocial Interactions: A Thematic Analysis Of Fan Reactions To Kris Wu’S Sexual Scandals In China, Yan Zhao

Communication ETDs

In this thesis, the rise and fall of a popular Chinese celebrity, Kris Wu, provided the context to examine fans’ negotiation of parasocial and affective relationships in online interactions with the celebrity and other fans. On the basis of a thematic analysis of Chinese fans’ comments on social media before and after Wu’s arrest and conviction for rape and other sexual crimes in 2022, I highlight the fluidity of fans’ positive and negative parasocial interactions and emotional attachments to a celebrity. The analysis suggests how fans can prioritize their continued support and admiration for a celebrity above matters of morality …


A Qualitative Study Of Burnout Among Clergy Wives In The African Pentecostal Church, Patricia Catherine Aladekoba May 2023

A Qualitative Study Of Burnout Among Clergy Wives In The African Pentecostal Church, Patricia Catherine Aladekoba

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study is to understand why pastors’ wives within the African Pentecostal Church (APC) in the United States experience burnout in ministry. With the African Pentecostal Church being the fastest-growing denomination around the world and in the United States, it is important to give careful attention to the wives of clergy in this denomination. Analysis of the data includes the description or identification of themes, supported by anecdotes or other markers within the data. The design of this study is basic qualitative research, a common type of interpretive study. The collection of data for a basic …


From Rags To Riches: Examining Teacher Perceptions Of The Influence Of Financial Literacy On The Psychological Well-Being Of Military-Connected Students In Kindergarten Through Grade Twelve, Cynthia Fletcher Davis May 2023

From Rags To Riches: Examining Teacher Perceptions Of The Influence Of Financial Literacy On The Psychological Well-Being Of Military-Connected Students In Kindergarten Through Grade Twelve, Cynthia Fletcher Davis

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative study was to examine teacher perceptions as related to the influence of financial literacy on the psychological well-being of military-connected students in kindergarten through grade twelve. Financial literacy among students serves a vital function in the development of financially literate adults. A lack of financial resources has been linked to depressive symptoms, marital discourse, and suicide. Financial literacy includes the knowledge and skills required to make enlightened and effective decisions with money. The theory guiding this study was Constructivism as formulated by Jean Piaget. Constructivism provides for the incorporation of new information within existing constructs …


Moral Injury In The Military: A Phenomenological Inquiry, Yohiris Martin May 2023

Moral Injury In The Military: A Phenomenological Inquiry, Yohiris Martin

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study is to explore the negative emotions that cause moral injury in the military and the detrimental effects on married military couples and their relationship with God. Studies indicate that military spouses have reported experiencing marital tension and feelings of disconnect. In addition, researchers have argued that service members with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and moral injury (MI) might suffer from shame and blame. This study explores the lived experiences of ten service members, their relationship with their spouses, and God. The central focus is the descriptions of the service members’ emotions and their potential …


Vested Interest And Preparedness Policy: Increasing Preparedness Behaviors Among American Individuals And Families, Nicholas Evan Winters May 2023

Vested Interest And Preparedness Policy: Increasing Preparedness Behaviors Among American Individuals And Families, Nicholas Evan Winters

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Natural disasters take place throughout the United States many times annually, from localized storms to hurricanes or earthquakes affecting many states. The federal government develops and implements preparedness policies, which are then translated into state, county, and municipality preparedness policies. Individual and family preparedness is a component of these preparedness policies; however, existing federal preparedness policies fail to prompt American individuals and families to prepare for natural disasters. The purpose of this study is to understand how the failures of the current preparedness policies contribute to the lack of individual and family preparedness and the political, social, and psychological factors …


Exploring The Meaning Of Doctoral Completion For African American Females Who Have Attended A Predominantly White Institution, Devara D. Brock May 2023

Exploring The Meaning Of Doctoral Completion For African American Females Who Have Attended A Predominantly White Institution, Devara D. Brock

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

As evidenced by the average doctoral student turnover rate, pursuing a doctorate degree may be exceedingly difficult. African American women (AAW) in particular, tend to face unique challenges in higher education due to their gender and racial identities, yet because of their perceived success in comparison to their Black male counterparts, their doctoral experiences at predominantly White institutions (PWIs) frequently go overlooked. Furthermore, considering the impact that trauma can have on higher education success, it is crucial to better understand the intricate nature of the doctoral experiences of AAW to determine how to further facilitate their success. To add to …


Succession Planning In The Federal Government, Christine Noel Roberts May 2023

Succession Planning In The Federal Government, Christine Noel Roberts

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Succession planning is a term that refers to the systematic and methodological efforts an organization uses to plan for organizational stability and proficiency. Organizations must provide employees the training, experiences, and knowledge required to assume positions of increased responsibility when those jobs are vacated. Agencies should strive to create a diversified pool of qualified candidates to avoid a talent gap, workforce shortages, or a loss of agency knowledge. Over the past fifteen years, the Federal Government has continued to highlight the need to take a proactive approach to succession planning by first identifying the skill sets needed for critical positions …


No Safe Spaces: Institutionally Washed Out, Jordan Marie King May 2023

No Safe Spaces: Institutionally Washed Out, Jordan Marie King

Online Theses and Dissertations

Abstract Prior literature has shown that black and brown bodies (BBB) are policed and victimized at higher rates than their white counterparts within the criminal justice system. The criminalization of school discipline is a microcosm of ‘big’ criminal justice. Criminal justice measures were implemented within schools as a means of maintaining ‘safety.’ Policing in schools perpetuates punishment disproportionality and maintains similar disproportionalities as the ‘big’ criminal justice system in terms of for whom and how how severely it is applied. Meaning that regardless of the school's demographics or student backgrounds, black and brown bodies are punished at a higher rate …


Agricultural Shocks On Household Stability: A Case Study Of Tanzania Maize Farmers, Zimmi Silonda Ndlovu May 2023

Agricultural Shocks On Household Stability: A Case Study Of Tanzania Maize Farmers, Zimmi Silonda Ndlovu

Master's Theses

As the global populations grow, the need for stronger agricultural resilience in areas with high food insecurity like Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is a must. Crop failure due to climate related events has increased substantially over the past decade, raising the risks to vulnerable groups like subsistence farmers. Understanding the effects of climate variability on farmers and their crops is a pivotal step towards increasing resilience and productivity. In this paper I approach this question using a Linear Probability Fixed-effects Model on Tanzanian Panel Survey data with monthly temperature and precipitation for years 2008 to 2013. Results suggest a negative relationship …


The Switch: Understanding The Perception Of African American Linguistic Repertoires, Alyssa Powell May 2023

The Switch: Understanding The Perception Of African American Linguistic Repertoires, Alyssa Powell

Student Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative study is to conduct research to gain knowledge of the perception of African American adults who use standard English and African American Vernacular English or feel that they must code-switch between the two "languages. “The goal is to investigate the attitudes and ideologies that African American Adults have toward AAVE and what role the two "languages" play in their personal identity. This research will obtain a better understanding of how our use of language can influence our self-concept and identity. Cultural influences can influence our language and how we conceptualize who we are and where …


Seeking Help For Intimate Betrayal Trauma: The Lived Experience Of Unsuspecting Wives Receiving Counseling Messages From Mental Health Professionals After Discovering Their Sexually Addicted Spouse's Out-Of-Control Behavior, Johanna Dillenbeck May 2023

Seeking Help For Intimate Betrayal Trauma: The Lived Experience Of Unsuspecting Wives Receiving Counseling Messages From Mental Health Professionals After Discovering Their Sexually Addicted Spouse's Out-Of-Control Behavior, Johanna Dillenbeck

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

After unsuspecting wives (UWs) discover their sexually addicted spouse’s (SAS’s) out-of-control behavior (OCB) outside of their committed relationship, they may seek support from mental health professionals. Depending on a mental health professional’s theoretical framework for treating sexual addiction (SA) and partner betrayal, women may receive messages based on a family systems approach for addiction counseling or from a trauma model that prioritizes the client’s need for safety, stabilization, and grief work, with the goal of reconnecting the UW to a redefined sense of reality. Components of trauma work along with validation of an UW’s experience offers UWs the safety to …


A Phenomenological Examination Of Church Leaders' Perceived Impact Of Executive Coaching On Organizational Culture, Jerrell Stokley May 2023

A Phenomenological Examination Of Church Leaders' Perceived Impact Of Executive Coaching On Organizational Culture, Jerrell Stokley

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The trajectory of the seminary training curriculum has evolved pedagogically at projecting adequate church leadership education and hands-on development. However, empirical research reveals that the seminary struggles with preparing generations of church leaders for modern church responsibilities including executive leadership, tactical performance, administration, and church organizational culture (Crowson, 2021; Costin, 2008). Hicks (2012), as cited by Smith (2017) states, “Recent studies have begun to explore the need for management training for pastors” (p. 2). Graduates as well as current church leaders report feeling ill-equipped for the increasing duties for today’s church culture. This qualitative, phenomenological study evaluated mid-to-senior level Christian …


Examining The Psychosocial Impacts Of Transgenerational Trauma: A Phenomenological Study Of Parenting Styles Among African American Women, Sandra Maria Anderson May 2023

Examining The Psychosocial Impacts Of Transgenerational Trauma: A Phenomenological Study Of Parenting Styles Among African American Women, Sandra Maria Anderson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative phenomenological study aimed to examine the psychosocial impacts of unresolved grief and trauma within the dynamics of parenting styles of African American women. The theories used to guide this study include family systems theory, first introduced by Murray Bowen in the 1950s, and attachment theory, developed by John Bowlby in 1969, as they intersect and provide a foundation for understanding emotional bonds, social relationships, and parent-child attachment wounds at the core. This phenomenological qualitative study answered the following central research question: “How has trauma exposure affected African American women’s awareness of their traumas within their lived experience and …


Christians' Experiences Of Conscious Contact With God And Spiritual Awakening Within Twelve Step Programs, John D. Goddard May 2023

Christians' Experiences Of Conscious Contact With God And Spiritual Awakening Within Twelve Step Programs, John D. Goddard

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe the lived experiences of Christians with conscious contact with God and spiritual awakening as a result of prayer and meditation within the context of steps 11 and 12 of the Twelve Step Programs (TSPs) and Christian Twelve Step Programs (CTSPs). The theories guiding this study were existential, transpersonal, and biblical Christianity. Existential theory emphasizes the value of understanding the subjective meaning of phenomena and transpersonal theory bridges psychological and spiritual practices thus allowing this study to derive psychologically meaningful data from descriptions of spiritual experiences and practices (prayer and meditation). A …


The Influence Of Personality On The Experiences Of Child Molesters: A Phenomenological Study, Julianna Emma Davis May 2023

The Influence Of Personality On The Experiences Of Child Molesters: A Phenomenological Study, Julianna Emma Davis

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe different personality traits and pathologies that are common to each of the two identified types of child molester, report how personality played a part in the offense committed, and describe the results from the offender’s point of view. The history of personality traits and disorders is discussed; this information can be useful in the identification of sexual preferences involving those who abuse children. The study involved eight convicted child molesters in the state of Alabama. The participants were grouped into subtype based on self-report measures and public records. Costa and McCrae’s …


The Effects Of Intimate Partner Violence (Ipv) On African-American Christian Females, Rebecca C. Crane May 2023

The Effects Of Intimate Partner Violence (Ipv) On African-American Christian Females, Rebecca C. Crane

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to communicate the experiences of African American Christian females with intimate partner violence (IPV). The central phenomenon of the study aimed to research religious effects on African American Christian females' decision-making regarding IPV in the state of Georgia. The theory guiding this study was social constructivism, introduced by two sociologists, Peter L. Berger and Thomas Luckman. The study's goal was to depend as much as possible on the stories of the members being examined. Data will be collected using two methods: interviews and oral history. A critical case sampling was used to collect …


Exploring The Role Of Religious Coping In Natural Disaster Survivors In The Bahamas, Cherry Ann Raquel Ferguson May 2023

Exploring The Role Of Religious Coping In Natural Disaster Survivors In The Bahamas, Cherry Ann Raquel Ferguson

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Life is filled with a myriad of stressors individuals must navigate to maintain physical and emotional wellness. Some life stressors can be more devastating than others, such as natural disasters. Specific regions, including the Bahamas, have experienced destructive natural disasters such as hurricanes and record-breaking superstorms in the last few decades. Consequently, citizens are exposed to significant amounts of distress due to the devastation caused by these natural disasters. How one copes and one’s level of resilience plays an integral role in managing such turbulent times. Religion can be a valuable resource for those facing traumatic circumstances. The focus of …


"My Dog Is In Teletherapy With Me": The Impact Of A Pet Dog On Their Owner's Teletherapy Session, Carlette Anne Layne May 2023

"My Dog Is In Teletherapy With Me": The Impact Of A Pet Dog On Their Owner's Teletherapy Session, Carlette Anne Layne

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The connection between humans and animals has led to practices such as animal-assisted therapy, equine therapy, service animals, and pet ownership. Strong bonds and attachments can form between pet owners and their pets. It is no wonder that owning a pet is commonplace in the United States. Many pet owners identify their pet as a member of their family. In addition to companionship, research has indicated that pet ownership can have health benefits, reduce stress, increase empathy, and facilitate openness. In a therapeutic setting, the presence of a pet may comfort its owner simply by being near them. The ease …


Twice-Exceptional Autism And Home Education: A Phenomenological Analysis, Tiffany Brook Hartman May 2023

Twice-Exceptional Autism And Home Education: A Phenomenological Analysis, Tiffany Brook Hartman

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

It is common for autistic and particularly twice-exceptional (2e) children to be schooled from home at a higher rate than their neurotypical peers. Much of the current research investigating this phenomenon is conducted from the perspective of the public school system. This point of view is generally critical of the curriculum taught in the home, has largely limited parental voices in the literature, and overlooks possible circumstances in the public school system that might have led families to choose to homeschool. This qualitative analysis conducted open-ended interviews of parents with twice-exceptional autistic children who have home-educated or currently educate their …