Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Organizational Leadership , Franklin University, 2024, International Institute for Innovative Instruction

The 2015 Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) was signed into legislation to increase educational stability for youth in care through increased partnership and collaboration between child welfare and educational agences. This qualitative study explored the critical factors that impact the efforts of child welfare agencies (CWA) to implement ESSA. The general systems theory and Edwards' policy implementation model were used to guide the study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight individuals from the Texas Department of Family Protective Services, and a focus group was conducted with six representatives from Region 10 Texas Education Agency. A thematic approach was taken to analyze participant responses and identify key themes in the data. Six core themes highlight leadership, resources, training, communication, collaboration and accountability, and politics and finances. A thorough discussion of the findings is presented. The study provided theoretical and practical implications suggesting CWAs take notice of the importance of leadership influence and develop systematic interventions to aid in implementation efforts.

Ph.D., Antioch University, 2024, Leadership and Change

In higher education, the focus on student success often takes center stage in research and the professor-as-teacher practice. While numerous empirical studies concentrate on the growth and development of undergraduate students, this dissertation delves into professors' relational and felt experiences in positive teaching-learning relationships. Four terminal-degreed professors from four different schools and three different disciplines–education, humanities, and leadership–engaged in photography and were then interviewed. Participants reflected on their photographs and their experiences in a teaching-learning relationship with their students. The present study aimed to illuminate the unspoken language of connection by utilizing interpretive phenomenology and photovoice to uncover professors' relational and felt experiences and how these moments energize and rejuvenate them. Research revealed two overarching themes: generativity and seeing students' humanity; and five group experiential themes: foundational influences, relational proximity, intentional presence, assessment as a learning conversation, and feeling aligned. The theoretical foundation of this dissertation weaved together a diverse array of theories and concepts, including relational cultural theory (RCT), somatics, and embodiment. The insight from the literature combined with the findings from this study offer understanding in how professor-student relationships in higher education can be places of mutual empowerment, empathy, and mattering. By grounding the research framework in human interaction's relational and fluid, alive, and pulsating bodies, this dissertation contributes to a more humanized and inclusive understanding of the intricate relationships that shape higher education. This dissertation is available in open access at AURA (https://aura.antioch.edu) and OhioLINK ETD Center (https://etd.ohiolink.edu).

Psy. D., Antioch University, 2024, Antioch Seattle: Clinical Psychology

The present study utilized Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis in order to examine the lived experiences of young adult, cisgender women and the development of internalized sexism. Eight participants completed semi–structured interviews focused on their relationships with other women and subsequent views of womanhood. Themes found were (a) womanhood is taught by women throughout the lifespan, (b) women are sexually responsible for men, (c) women are emotional caregivers, (d) there are biological bases of womanhood, (e) women are expected to “do it all,” (f) expectations of women are fueled by media portrayal, (g) traditional femininity is seen as oppositional to the feminist movement, and (h) womanhood is a community. The results of the study found that young adult women hold similar beliefs and attitudes surrounding what it means to be a woman. Additionally, young adult women's perceptions of womanhood are similarly influenced by common external factors that stem from society's sexism and misogyny and lead to behaviors of internalized sexism. This dissertation is available in open access at AURA (https://aura.antioch.edu) and OhioLINK ETD Center (https://etd.ohiolink.edu).

Bachelor of Arts (BA), Ohio University, 2024, Spanish

This thesis examines the long-term effectiveness of the feminist efforts that took place during the Dominican Republic's Trujillato (1930-1961), or Trujillo dictatorship, as a potential reason for which the Caribbean nation experiences high rates of intimate partner violence toward women, specifically via feminicides, in the 21st century. Using ecological systems theory, social learning theory, the ACEs (adverse childhood experiences) model, and feminism, this cultural-historical analysis considers the relationship between the dictatorship and Dominican families to identify the long-term impact on Dominicans today. Specifically, in order to determine what and how many protective and risk factors were present during the time period, the recently added five community ACEs are applied to the feminist efforts. The findings reveal: (1) the risk factors greatly outweighed the protective factors, (2) women's inaction, avoidance, or active participation in supporting the dictatorship ultimately upheld machista values, and (3) maternal feminism alone as a tool to promote women's rights does not function under a dictatorship. Thus, given the failure to successfully decrease rates of violence against women in the present, this thesis proposes three solutions to address the human rights violation. First, the Dominican government should publicly recognize that the Trujillato worsened the environment that currently promotes and allows for violence against women. Second, the social work profession should expand the ACEs model so that the five community ACEs apply to groups of people, not just to individuals. Finally, all those organizations and individuals with Western perspectives who work with survivors should strive to perceive the roots of the social problem within the context of the country and the citizens affected. Further research suggests conducting official interviews with Dominicans to gather their firsthand experiences, carrying out a study in which the five community (open full item for complete abstract)

Ph.D., Antioch University, 2024, Antioch New England: Marriage and Family Therapy

The double bind of Black womanhood has been long documented in Black feminist literature. This dissertation seeks to greatly contextualize how Black women experience make sense of, and heal from, sexual trauma given the nature of gendered racism in the United States (U.S). Utilizing a convergent parallel design grounded in Black Feminist Theory and hermeneutic phenomenology, the lived experiences of 98 Black women from across the U.S. were investigated. Regression analyses revealed that the frequency of gendered racial microaggressions and the associated appraisal were not significant predictors of participants' PTSD symptoms. Additionally, PTSD symptoms were inversely predictive of current perceptions of healing and healing progress. A mediation effect of negative alterations in cognitions and mood on the relationship between sexual objectification, specific to Black women, and progress in healing was also evident. Gendered racism did moderate the relationship between PTSD symptoms and perceived healing at the lowest point but not healing progress. The major themes that emerged from the interviews included “Negative Consequences of Sexual Assault,” “Pathways of Healing,” “Barriers to Help and Justice-Seeking,” “Dimensions of Racial-Ethnic Socialization,” and “Dimensions of Gendered Racial Socialization.” Combined, these findings highlight the unique sociocultural and historical context of Black female survivorship and amplify the necessity for clinicians to integrate Black feminist therapeutic praxis to inform treatment assessment, goal, and intervention. This dissertation is available in open access at AURA (https://aura.antioch.edu/) and OhioLINK ETD Center (https://etd.ohiolink.edu).

Doctor of Education , University of Dayton, 2024, Educational Administration

Antisemitism has a long and troubling history in the United States, often manifesting in various social settings, including organized sports. This study investigates the experiences of Jewish-American youth athletes in Central Ohio, focusing on how modern antisemitism affects their participation in sports and overall well-being. Recent data shows a resurgence of antisemitic incidents, which has prompted a need for detailed exploration of its impacts on young athletes. The problem addressed in this study is the increasing prevalence of antisemitism in youth sports and its detrimental effects on Jewish teenagers in Central Ohio. Through a Critical Participatory Action Research (CPAR) methodology, this research combines qualitative and quantitative data to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the issue. Surveys conducted with Jewish teenage athletes reveal experiences of verbal abuse, exclusion, and other forms of discrimination leading to heightened psychological distress, and negative impacts to Jewish identity and sense of belonging. This study underscores the urgent need to address antisemitism within youth sports in Central Ohio. By implementing targeted community interventions, harm can be mitigated and a supportive environment for Jewish athletes can be fostered. This research contributes to the broader understanding of how antisemitism affects minority youth in sports and provides a framework for future studies on marginalized groups. Continued efforts and collaboration among community organizations, educational institutions, and policymakers are essential to combat antisemitism and promote inclusivity in youth athletics.

Doctor of Healthcare Administration (D.H.A.), Franklin University, 2024, Health Programs

Thousands of teenagers and young adults are confirmed victims, and many more are at risk of maltreatment and neglect. Foster care is a temporary solution by providing 24/7 care for these victims in kinship and non-kinship foster boarding homes. The study examined child welfare social workers in New York State in the child welfare field on their experiences that impact the delivery of quality healthcare and mental health services for teenagers and young adults in foster care. The qualitative study aimed to explore the experiences of child welfare caseworkers in New York's child welfare system regarding providing psychological and medical services to teenagers and young adults. By conducting interviews with professionals from various child welfare non-profit organizations, the research aimed to identify common themes and subthemes that impact the delivery of quality healthcare and mental health services to this vulnerable population. The researcher interviewed 15 child welfare caseworkers who coordinated providing needed psychological and medical services for teenagers (ages 13-19) and young adults (ages 20-21) in the state of New York's child welfare system. The Zoom media platform was utilized while all security protocols were followed by the researcher. The interviews were recorded and transcribed. The interview transcriptions were coded using ATLAS.ti to assist in identifying common themes and subthemes pertaining to the key issues affecting child welfare caseworkers and the delivery of psychological and physical medical services to teenagers and young adults.

Master of Science, The Ohio State University, 2024, Psychology

Dovidio & Gaertner, 2000 have previously shown when given an excuse to be prejudiced, people are more likely to exhibit their underlying prejudice as opposed to when there's an absence of an excuse—known as the aversive racism hypothesis. We look at this hypothesis for people who have been previously incarcerated as opposed to people who have not, with incarceration offering an excuse to be prejudiced. In addition, we examine suspicion (Fein, et al., 1990) as a possible mechanism that creates aversive racism and the role of political orientation in moderating the effect. In study 1 we found evidence for aversive racism creating suspicion, but only among liberals, in being a possible mechanism behind the stigma that the formerly incarcerated face. In study 2 we examined the role of maintaining a sense of being moral in creating the effect, but we were not able to successfully manipulate feelings of being moral. In study 3 we found evidence that suspicion can have an effect on behavioral intentions such as hiring decisions. For study 4 we found we found that only liberals showed the aversive racism effect and that for liberals suspicion predicted hiring intention consistent with the aversive racism hypothesis.

Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 2024, EDU Teaching and Learning

This dissertation was an exploration of equitable praxis in social work field education, focusing on the experiences of minoritized students compared to their white counterparts. The study was guided by the Council of Social Work Education standards, which emphasize field education as the signature pedagogy for social work programs, integrating theory and practice to ensure students are competent in the profession's values, ethics, and skills. The research was a means to determine if minoritized students receive the same support and constructive feedback as white students during their practicum experiences. This was an investigation of whether there are discrepancies in practicum evaluations based on race, using qualitative and quantitative secondary data from a U.S. Midwestern university's social work program between 2016 and 2022. The findings indicated that students belonging to minority groups frequently received feedback that was less constructive and were subjected to a higher number of disciplinary actions, leaving them with insufficient time to address these issues. In contrast, white students had more opportunities to rectify their behavior. Additionally, strengths-based feedback was inconsistently provided, with white students receiving more detailed and competency-focused encouragement. The study underscores the need for social work programs to provide more equitable support, including targeted training for field instructors on working with minoritized students. Integrating antiracist principles and culturally responsive teaching methods is recommended to enhance the practicum experience for all students. Secondary data should be more accessible and utilized to inform and improve educational practices. This dissertation advocates for a more inclusive and equitable approach to social work education, emphasizing the need for systemic changes to support minoritized students effectively.

Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 2024, Social Work

Economic integration is a cornerstone of the United States Refugee Admissions Program. Forced migrants who enter the United States under this program are tasked with securing employment quickly and reducing their reliance on means-tested programs. Beyond this narrow conceptualization of economic self-sufficiency, there is limited research that focuses on other components of economic integration, including wealth attainment processes and outcomes among this population and effects on overall well-being and resettlement. Using a mixed methods research design and guided by the Financial Capability and Asset Building framework and the Community Cultural Wealth framework, this dissertation explored formal and informal wealth attainment processes among forced migrants and the effects of wealth on overall well-being and resettlement, following a three-manuscript format. In the first study, a scoping review was conducted to identify gaps in the literature and examine how forced migrants build wealth (N = 10). Findings reveal that forced migrants accumulate wealth through formal processes such as using financial institutions and purchasing tangible assets and through informal processes such as utilizing co-ethnic social networks and community lending circles. Overall, findings show this population has a lower net worth compared to other immigrant groups and the US-born. However, many forced migrant subgroups report relying on informal processes to meet their financial goals and reduce barriers to economic inclusion. The second study employs a two-phased exploratory sequential modified mixed methods research design. During Phase I of the study qualitative data was collected (N = 13) via focus group discussions and one-on-one interviews with forced migrants. Data was analyzed using thematic analysis. Five overarching themes emerged from the data (1) Obstacles to wealth attainment, (2) Community wealth: Expanding solidarity in new spaces, (3) Transnational ties: Building wealth (open full item for complete abstract)

Doctor of Education , University of Dayton, 2024, Educational Administration

Inpatient psychiatric facilities utilize two main forms of treatments for their patients; these are medication management and psychotherapy group sessions. Psychotherapy attendance rates at Lincoln Park Behavioral Health is low. This mixed-method action research study set out to understand what engagement techniques affected the attendance rates, the author collaborated with the facilities therapists for a better understanding. The study found that a combination of individual check ins and announcements create a higher group attendance rate.

Ph.D., Antioch University, 2024, Antioch Seattle: Counselor Education & Supervision

This multilevel mixed methods investigation examines the experiences of developing self-evaluation skills for simulation fellows in an interprofessional simulation fellowship program. Interprofessional fellows (N = 12) and faculty (N = 4) engaged in a three-phase study using video-assisted learning tools to explore the differences in self-evaluation (perceived performance) and faculty evaluation (actual performance) in developing debriefing skills. For the quantitative component, fellows and faculty completed the DASH© tool to evaluate the quality of debriefing to help close the gaps between fellow self-evaluation and faculty evaluation. For the qualitative component, video-stimulated think-aloud and video-assisted debriefing the debriefer were utilized to understand how video-assisted learning tools contribute to self-evaluation skills from each level separately. A combined focus group and thematic analysis were utilized to identify facilitators and barriers to self-evaluation. Integrative case examples of developing self-evaluation skills are restoried for mixed analysis and data integration. Through which, meta-inferences are drawn out to understand the experiences, interactions, and mechanisms of the multilevel phenomenon. The results indicated that fellows generally overestimate their skills performance, and video-assisted learning tools support in the development of more realistic self-perception eliminating underestimation and closing the gap between perceived and actual performance. A model for interprofessional collaboration is proposed for scaffolded feedback practices to promote self-evaluation of skills and performance. Implications for counselor education, healthcare simulation, and health professions education are presented.

Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 2024, Educational Studies

There is limited research related to counseling the unhoused population. The purpose of this descriptive phenomenological study was to explore counseling trainees' experiences and self-perceptions of preparedness to provide counseling services to Black women experiencing homelessness. Guided by an intersectionality framework, 13 participants completed semi-structured interviews. Three significant findings and ten subthemes emerged from the interviews. The major findings were: 1) Counseling trainees expressed dissatisfaction with the knowledge attained in their counseling program, 2) Counselors-In-Training (CITs) reflected on homelessness and their potential role in support and advocacy, 3) The impact of counselor trainees' identities and experiences on their professional development was visible in their motivation to seek a career in counseling and their empathy toward vulnerable populations. Findings from this study highlight several implications for professional counselors, counselor education programs, counselor educators, and Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) standards. Implications include suggestions for counseling programs and CACREP standards to incorporate service learning and experiential learning into counseling programs and suggestions for ways counseling students can acquire these additional skills independently. Additional implications for professional counselors are also included, such as being open to working on interdisciplinary teams. This study underscores the necessity for revised counselor education curricula to bolster trainees' preparedness in serving marginalized populations, particularly Black women experiencing homelessness.

Bachelor of Arts (BA), Ohio University, 2024, Social Work

Period poverty affects menstruators across the globe. Being impacted by financial insecurity, insufficient education, poor bathroom facilities, embarrassment, or stigma and shame, those who experience period poverty can have additional negative outcomes because of these factorsHowever, there is limited research on the prevalence of period poverty and how menstruators area affected in turn. Past research found that 23% of students struggled to afford period products (Thinx, 2021). While there is some preliminary data, the literature in this area is scant. What is published is very gendered and does not cover the full range of demographics that experience menstruation. The goal for this research is to explore beyond what has previously been studied and connect different themes of period poverty. This is a topic that affects so many and has comparatively few working towards advancing the knowledge base. This research used a survey built from previously used, but not all validated, questions and new questions developed for this study. This survey was sent to all public colleges and universities in the state of Ohio. This study found that 28.66% of 656 respondents experienced period poverty within the past 12 months. In addition, there are now quantifiable results surrounding both academic achievement and mental health in the same study. This is significant for the field as it is able to show higher education institutions the impacts that are being felt by their students in regard to period poverty and how it affects their learning experience. While there is still research needed to validate measures and make results comparable, this study is an important exploratory step to begin the conversation around supporting college menstruators.

Bachelor of Arts (BA), Ohio University, 2024, Social Work

Social work is an occupation that is very diverse; a social worker can provide support in schools, hospitals, mental health agencies, domestic violence shelters, day habilitation units, private practices, homeless shelters and more. Regardless of the number of career paths that social work offers, social workers share the commonality of wanting to better the quality of lives of individuals. Due to systemic oppression, social workers often serve people who struggle disproportionally. The Deaf Community is a marginalized population that could greatly benefit from the resources that social workers offer. Are there adequate efforts being made to ensure that social workers can be accessed by all? The following research aims to uncover the discrepancies that lie in social work access for the Deaf Community in comparison to the hearing population. Data was collected from 20 Hearing and 20 Deaf and Hard of Hearing participants. The participants were given a quantitative survey with one qualitative component asking questions regarding their experiences with social services in Ohio. Results indicated, Deaf/Hard of Hearing individuals have more negative experiences with social services than Hearing individuals, though this finding was not statistically significant. More studies must be done in the future to expand on this research.

Master of Social Work, The Ohio State University, 2024, Social Work

The mental health of college students is a significant concern, with high rates of stress, anxiety, and depression reported among this demographic. However, limited research has focused on the help-seeking behaviors of specific subgroups, such as Muslim college students, and the influence of cultural and religious factors on their attitudes towards mental health treatment. This study aimed to explore how cultural and religious beliefs shape attitudes towards mental health treatment and help-seeking behaviors among Muslim college students at the Ohio State University. A self-report survey was distributed to eligible students, assessing cultural identity, religiosity, attitudes towards mental health treatment, and help-seeking behaviors. Qualitative data was also collected to gain insights into participants' experiences and perspectives. Findings revealed that religiosity and cultural values were integral to participants' lives, with a strong emphasis on religious practices. There was a positive relationship between religious/cultural values and receptiveness to mental health treatment, with a relatively low R2 value (0.1143). Despite cultural stigmas surrounding mental illness, participants expressed openness to seeking professional mental health support, recognizing the compatibility of religious and professional help-seeking strategies. These findings highlight the need for culturally competent interventions that integrate religious beliefs into mental health services and address barriers to help-seeking among Muslim college students. Efforts to promote mental well-being in this population should focus on fostering open dialogue, providing education, and enhancing access to culturally sensitive mental health services. Further research is needed to explore the long-term trajectories of mental health outcomes and help-seeking behaviors among Muslim college students.

Master of Social Work, The Ohio State University, 2024, Social Work

This study seeks to identify narrative positioning of caregiver networks within adaptive sporting. The goal in identifying these networks is to further understand adaptive sporting experiences through a network of perspectives. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 participants across five roles in a local adaptive sporting nonprofit in Columbus, Ohio. Narrative analysis and systems theory were used in analysis, and interview data was thematically and categorically coded. Findings demonstrate key roles and resources prevalent to adaptive sporting, as identify a decentralized and wide-reaching community system related to adaptive sporting. Findings indicate a need for further research into both athlete and non-athlete adaptive sporting experiences and provide rationale for a continued involvement of human service providers on many levels of adaptive sporting.

Master of Social Work, The Ohio State University, 2024, Social Work

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between aspects of identity and quality of life outcomes of Black Male young adults aged 18-24 who participated in high school sports. More specifically, this study looked at athletic identity, male identity, academic identity, and Black identity as it relates to life satisfaction. Much research has been conducted on athletes at the collegiate and professional levels. However, little research has been done on the transition from sports following high school. To better understand the Potential influence of shifts in one's athletic identity on quality-of-life outcomes, this study sought to assess former athletes' identity markers when in high school and in their current lives. Five measures were utilized including, The Centrality Subscale of the Multidimensional Inventory of Black Identity (MIBI; Sellers et al., 1997); Athletic Identity subscale of the Academic and Athletic Identity Scale (AAIS) (Yukhymenko-Lescroart, 2014); Quality of Life Scale (QOLS; Burckhardt & Anderson, 2003); Academic Identity Subscale (AAIS, Yukhymenko-Lescroart, 2014); Male Role Norms Scale (MRNS; Thompson & Pleck, 1986). Using descriptive and univariate statistical analyses, findings showed that identity measures had no relationship to the overall quality of life scale, but high school athletic identity was statistically negatively related to the item, satisfaction in work, job or at home. Additionally, no differences were found among identities both in high school and currently except for athletic identity. Lastly, this study showed that most of the sample were still active participants in a sport or physical activity. Given the limited research specific to this sample, more research is needed to better understand the impact of loss of athletic identity on overall quality of life.

Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 2024, Social Work

Spirituality has been popularized as a support for those in addiction recovery. Millions of individuals have transitioned from active addiction to addiction recovery through interventions informed by spiritual and religious principles. However, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reports that relapse rates within the United States remain high. This data may indicate a potential discrepancy between the present utility of spirituality and its practical implementation. Many researchers have attempted to find solutions and pathways that utilize spiritual components that would benefit those in addiction recovery. Theories and definitions abound for spirituality in addiction recovery, yet the operational and developmental nature of spirituality remains clouded. These limitations frustrate plans to reduce relapse rates by effectively implementing spiritually or religiously aligned program elements. Therefore, this project proposes three papers aimed at addressing this substantial gap: Chapter 2 is an inductive scoping review of empirically-focused peer-reviewed articles exploring how spirituality is defined and measured within addiction recovery literature. This chapter aims to assess how spirituality is presently defined within the context of addiction recovery literature and will consider definitions, components, indicators of health, and measurement as elements of how spirituality is structured. Chapter 3 is a deductive qualitative content analysis that explores how a synthesis of Canda's operational model of spirituality and Worden's Tasks of Grief align with the operational principles of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). AA has helped millions transition from active addiction to addiction recovery through a practical spiritual process. The content analysis study will explore the operational literature of AA, explicitly examining the content for components of spirituality and spiritual change. Doing so rigorously will bring additional insight to future work and (open full item for complete abstract)

Master of Social Work, The Ohio State University, 2024, Social Work

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a mental disorder characterized by an intense fear of abandonment, impulsivity, and pervasive patterns of instability across several aspects of an individual's life including their interpersonal relationships, self-esteem, and affect. Individuals with this disorder are prone to engaging in suicidal and self-injurious behaviors that can result in lethal consequences (American Psychiatric Association, 2022). Research has examined genetic vulnerabilities and childhood traumatic experiences that can lead to the development of this disorder and dysfunctional methods of attaching to others. Studies have repeatedly implicated that individuals with BPD possess insecure attachment styles. However, there have been inconsistent results regarding which insecure attachment style is most prevalent in this population. The purpose of this study was to determine whether there would be differences in insecure attachment styles among individuals diagnosed with BPD and whether there is a relationship between BPD symptom severity and specific insecure attachment styles. This study was exploratory with a correlational design and used self-report measures to determine the most common attachment styles among individuals in this population and their levels of BPD symptomatology. Descriptive statistics and measures of central tendency were used to describe and present the results from this sample. After collecting data from 64 participants (N = 64), their responses to the Zanarini Rating Scale for BPD (ZAN-BPD) and Relationship Structures (ECR-RS) instruments were evaluated to determine their severity of BPD symptoms and attachment styles towards two attachment figures, respectively. One-Way ANOVAs were conducted to determine whether there were differences in the mean number of BPD symptoms between attachment styles with respect to a primary caregiver and significant other (or close friend) to the participants. After completing One-Way ANOVAs, Post (open full item for complete abstract)