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Divine Intervention Emphasized in PTSD Treatment Strategies
No full textThis study examined how theological concepts might enhance PTSD treatment outcomes by challenging existing paradigms within evidence-based interventions. While some therapeutic models acknowledge the value of integrating theological concepts within treatment, little empirical evidence explains how emphasizing the theological concepts that may already exist within evidence-based strategies may enhance the overall efficacy of treatment. In this study, an experimental group received strategies emphasizing grace, hope, and forgiveness, while a control group received strategies without these emphases. The PCL-5 psychometric assessment tool was used to measure changes across two 4-week PTSD programs that incorporated 48 strategies from the same four therapeutic modalities, 24 of which were selected for their theological emphasis and applied to the experimental group. Between January and June 2025, 56 participants were divided into smaller cohorts of up to nine individuals, collectively forming one experimental group and one control group. Data sets were analyzed using a repeated measures ANOVA and a thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews, yielding both quantitative and qualitative findings on the overall impact of grace, hope, and forgiveness within PTSD intervention. Results demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in PTSD symptom severity among participants in the experimental group compared to the control group, as well as qualitative themes indicating greater emotional restoration, spiritual meaning, and resilience
A Causal-Comparative Study of Teachers’ Growth Mindsets in Low, Middle, and High Socioeconomic Schools
No full textThe purpose of this quantitative, causal-comparative study was to determine if a significant difference exists among teachers’ growth mindsets among those teachers employed at low, middle, or high socioeconomic status schools. This study is important because teachers’ growth mindsets have an impact on students’ academic achievement through factors such as motivation and self-efficacy. Research has demonstrated the correlation between belonging to a low socioeconomic status and poor academic achievement or learning. Therefore, this study adds to the literature regarding the effects of teachers’ growth mindset by examining the differences in mindset among teachers employed at low, middle, and high socioeconomic schools. The sample was composed of 178 teachers from a low socioeconomic school, 79 teachers from a middle socioeconomic school, and 68 teachers from a high socioeconomic school, all of which were public elementary schools. Data was collected from the Implicit Theories of Intelligence Scale by surveys sent via email using Survey Monkey. The assumption of normality was not met, so a Kruskal-Wallis test was used. The results of the Kruskal-Wallis test indicated that there is no significant difference in teachers’ overall growth mindset among employment at the three school levels. These results indicate that the schools’ socioeconomic level does not impact teachers’ overall mindset. It is recommended that further research examines different demographic variables or complete a similar study using random sampling or a mixed methods study to discover themes behind teachers’ growth mindsets
Black Men’s Experiences of Intergenerational Trauma and Identity Development: A Phenomenological Study
No full textThis qualitative phenomenological study explored how Black men exposed to intergenerational trauma describe their experiences of identity development. Grounded in Vivian Rakoff’s Intergenerational Trauma Theory and William Cross’s Nigrescence Theory, the study employed a transcendental phenomenological design to examine how trauma is transmitted across generations and its implications for Black male identity. This research addresses a critical gap in the mental health field, particularly regarding the historical roots of trauma and their impact on contemporary counseling practices. Findings revealed that the enduring legacy of historical trauma rooted in slavery, systemic racism, and ongoing forms of oppression continues to profoundly shape Black male identity. Participants described inherited trauma as “generational curses,” stemming from ancestral experiences of dehumanization and emasculation. Present-day encounters with systemic racism, including aggressive policing and racial profiling, were identified as ongoing sources of trauma that affect emotional regulation, self-perception, and feelings of safety. A recurring theme was the suppression of emotional expression among Black men, perceived as necessary for survival and masculinity. This emotional restraint often led to internalized anger and difficulty accessing the full range of human emotion. This study deepens the understanding of intergenerational trauma\u27s impact on Black male identity development and emphasizes the importance of culturally responsive mental health practices. The findings call for continued research, policy reform, and broader societal efforts to support the well-being of Black men
A Transcendental Phenomenological Study of the Effects of Having a Mentor on the Emotional, Mental, and Spiritual Health of Bi-Vocational Clergy
No full textThe purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study is to understand the effect of a mentor/mentee relationship on the feelings of isolation and loneliness of bi-vocational clergy. The prevalence of bi-vocational clergy is on the rise across all denominations. Coupled with the number of clergy people leaving the ministry annually, bi-vocational clergy will become even more commonplace within the church structure. As the prevalence of bi-vocational clergy increases and the number of roles that they are expected to fill grows, safeguarding their mental, emotional, and spiritual health needs to be a priority. Bi-vocational clergy are at great risk for burnout and leaving the ministry. Many variables contribute to burnout such as vicarious trauma, role ambiguity, mental distancing, isolation, and loneliness. The design of this study is a qualitative study that consists of two primary sets of data, an initial interview, in depth interview comprised of twenty one As questions. This research will allow others who are bi-vocational clergy to employ the use of mentors both as a preventative measure and a recovery measure addressing burnout
A Phenomenology Study of African American Male’s Perception of Black Church Leadership
No full textPrevious research has identified a gender disparity exists within the context of the Black Church. More specifically, the gender disparity focuses on the fact that there are more women than men in the context of the Black Church. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the perceptions and attitudes that African American males have about Black Church leadership. In addition to this, to also identify if there is a congruence between the perceptions that Black males have about Black Church leadership and their level of engagement or non-engagement. The theory guiding this study is hermeneutic phenomenology, also known as interpretative phenomenology, which originated with Martin Heidegger, because it explains the relationship between an individual and their world (Neubauer et al., 2019). Individual interviews of 20 males, who were identified as Black were divided into two subjects, Engaged Black Males and Non-engaged Black Males, and were analyzed. In the results of this study, it was found that these participants have both positive and negative perceptions of Black Church leaders. In addition to this, the results indicated that there was a congruence between the perceptions that Black men have about Black Church Leadership regarding their level of engagement or lack of engagement within the Church. However, the two important themes that emerged from this study were Black Men’s Unmet Needs and Leadership Styles (positive and negative). The results of this study show a need for Black pastors and leaders to understand the struggles and challenges that Black men face and create an environment within the context of the Black church that meets their needs. Also, the results of this study highlight effective leadership styles that Black pastors and leaders can use to recruit, retain, and disciple Black men
Postpartum Nurse Discharge Education Plan
No full textThis evidence-based practice project evaluated the effect of targeted discharge education for postpartum nurses on reducing maternal mortality at a rural hospital in southern Virginia. Sixteen nurses participated, aiming to improve the recognition and management of severe postpartum complications, which account for 60% of maternal deaths in the U.S. The educational intervention was presented via PowerPoint, both in person and by email, to ensure all nurses had access. Effectiveness was measured through pre-educational and post implementation surveys over a 12-week period. Results showed a dramatic improvement: the percentage of nurses who reported discussing all nine post-birth warning signs with patients increased from 6.25% before the intervention to 100% afterward. Similarly, nurses’ confidence in providing crucial discharge instructions rose from 6.25% to 100%. Challenges encountered included limited nursing time and conflicting information, highlighting the need for clear, nurse-led educational approaches. By empowering nurses with better knowledge and confidence, the project enabled them to deliver thorough, patient-centered discharge instructions tailored to each patient’s needs. Overall, this initiative helped improve maternal outcomes and supported ongoing health and safety during the postpartum period
Changing How Foster Care Begins: A Qualitative Study To Assess the Success of One Specific Nonprofit
No full textMost foster parents feel they do not receive adequate emotional support, funding, and preparation for their foster children in their care, which can lead to turnover, placement disruptions, and additional unnecessary caregiver changes for foster children. Attachment Theory explains children need consistent, warm, and loving caregiver relationships for healthy emotional, cognitive, and social development (Bowlby, 2018). For children in foster care, these relationships are already disrupted, therefore intervention for foster parent resiliency must be analyzed. The Bible calls Christians to care for the orphans, which leaves a large responsibility on Christians to care for those in foster care. There is little research that analyzes the support given to foster parents by religious organizations. Through semi-structured interviews, this qualitative study analyzed the experience foster parents had with a specific religious nonprofit and how they feel they were supported physically and emotionally. The study consisted of ten participants that were at least eighteen years of age, a current or former foster parent, and have received services from the specific nonprofit. The semi-structured interviews were recorded, transcribed, and coded for thematical analysis. The results of the study indicated that the nonprofit’s practices allowed foster parents the ability to accept a placement, smoothed the transition into placement, and allowed for a more long-term and stable placement. The results of the study can be replicated and utilized by other foster care agencies in hopes to increase the physical and emotional support felt by foster parents and children
Examining Social Determinants of Health and the Impact on HIV Outcomes in Black People in the United States
No full textBlack people are disproportionately affected by HIV as evidenced by poor clinical outcomes and mortality. Clinical outcomes may be potentiated by patient factors, compounded by social determinants of health. This cross-sectional study sought to examine the impact of social determinants of health on AIDS mortality in the United States. Deidentified HIV data from the CDC NCHHSTP Atlas Plus repository and CDC WONDER population data were utilized to examine the association of race, sex, transmission category and geography on AIDS mortality in 43 states during 2018 to 2022. AIDS mortality was further examined through the lens of HIV stigma and housing instability. R Studio and IBM SPSS Version 30.0 were used to analyze 66,635 deaths. Black people totaled 28,781 accounting for 43.2 percent of deaths. Mixed Effects Negative Binomial Regression modelling revealed that after controlling for sex, transmission category, year, and geography, AIDS-related deaths were 6.59-fold higher among Black people and 6.58-fold higher in Multiracial persons compared to White people (p \u3c .001). Males had a 3.6-fold increased risk of AIDS mortality compared to females (p \u3c .001). MSM was associated with the greatest risk for AIDS mortality (IRR 4.20; p \u3c .001). Welch’s ANOVA demonstrated that geographic location and AIDS deaths were strongly associated (F = 79.22; p \u3c .001). District of Columbia had the highest AIDS mortality rate (IRR = 4.3; Black people = 48.3 per 100,000 persons). Spearman’s correlation demonstrated an inverse association between HIV stigma, housing instability and AIDS mortality (p \u3c .001). Community, state level measures and legislative reform may be needed to address some of the sociopolitical barriers that impede health care access and mitigate poor outcomes. Future studies are needed to examine the causal relationships between the increased rate of AIDS-related mortality and Black and Multiracial individuals
A Predictive Correlational Study of the Relationship Between Faculty Leadership Styles and Teacher Communication Orientation in Jamaica’s Higher Education System
No full textThis quantitative study examined the extent to which faculty leadership styles, gender, and years of experience predict teacher communication orientation, specifically assertiveness (TCO-A) and responsiveness (TCO-R), among higher educational institutions in Jamaica. Grounded in communication theory and leadership frameworks, the study explored how faculty leadership express themselves and respond to others. Data were collected from 216 faculty members using the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ) and the Sociocommunicative Orientation Scale (SCO). Descriptive analyses indicated that participants’ mean responsiveness scores were slightly higher than assertiveness scores across all years-of-experience categories, with many displaying traits consistent with an “Amiable” to “Expressive” communication profile (high responsiveness and moderate/high assertiveness). Multiple regression analyses revealed that leadership styles, gender, and years of experience did not predict assertiveness or responsiveness. Transformational leadership exhibited stronger, although non-significant, relationship with responsiveness than with assertiveness. These findings suggest that communication behaviors may be more strongly influenced by personality or institutional culture than by leadership style or demographics. The study addresses a regional gap in Caribbean higher education research and demonstrates the applicability of the MLQ and SCO instruments. Practically, the results highlight the importance of leadership development programs that foster responsive communication. Future research should employ mixed-methods designs, consider categorical communication profiles, and include cross-cultural comparisons to further explore the interplay between leadership, teacher communication orientation, and educational effectiveness