21867 research outputs found
Sort by
Religious Scrupulosity: The Law And The Gospel
Get PDFThe clear distinction of the law and gospel for the salvation and justification of an individual, highly affects the minds, beliefs, and lives of those who suffer from religious scrupulosity. Religious scrupulosity is known as obsessional fears of thinking or behaving immorally against one’s religious beliefs. Religious scrupulosity affects many in the church, and is a form of obsessive/compulsive thought that can form due to improper emphasis of gospel truth. The way the church preaches and emphasizes certain points of the gospel can change the perception and understanding of many people in the world. The evident distinction between law and gospel is a necessary teaching and preaching point that can transform the foundational beliefs of hearers of or believers in Jesus Christ
Parent-Child Relationship Satisfaction Influences After Solution-Focused Brief Therapy Is Delivered to an Anxious Child: A Quantitative Analysis from the Parent’s Perspective
Get PDFSocial media culture is prevalent today, which encourages inclusion, exclusion, self-doubt, bullying, and other positive and negative social and emotional learning (SEL). Children are exposed to social media which has both positive and negative daily consequences. The prognosis and remission rates of anxiety are declining, with the risk of maladaptive regulation symptoms. A strong positive foundation of SEL promotes core identity, beliefs, morals, values, and interpersonal growth throughout a lifespan. Parenting styles (parent), the child’s psychosocial development (child), religious morals and values (religion), and psychotherapy (therapy) are influences of change that can help create healthy SEL. Therapy interventions are sought when the development of the child’s SEL becomes negative in normal interactions of parenting, school, community, and peer socialization. Enhancing parent-child interactions through therapy is the focus of this study. This research included children ages 10 - 15 with anxiety symptoms receiving Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) over eight sessions. This quantitative dependent t test comparison pretest/posttest study examined the correlations between therapy and parent-child relationship inventory (PCRI) scores and found a significant positive correlation to higher PCRI scores after SFBT had been administered. This study also considered four influences of change - parent, child, therapy, or religion - and found that therapy was ranked the highest influence from the parent’s perspective
A Qualitative Phenomenological Exploration of the Experience Menopausal African American Women Have with Their Health Care Providers and Accessing Treatment for Menopausal Symptoms
Get PDFThis phenomenological qualitative case study delved into the underexplored area of menopausal research as it pertains to African American women. This study aimed to identify the existing gap in literature, through examining the factors contributing to the disparity, and proposed potential solutions. By conducting a thorough review of the available evidence, this study sheds light on the unique challenges faced by African American women during menopause and advocates for more inclusive and diverse research approaches in this field. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten participants and thematic analysis was used to identify key themes related to symptom management, healthcare access, and coping strategies. The questions used to guide the interview protocol included but were not limited to challenges African American women encounter while experiencing menopause especially in managing symptoms, navigating the healthcare system, and identifying effective coping strategies for comfort and relief. The interviews revealed that African American women often face unique challenges as systemic barriers to healthcare, work-related stress, and historical mistrust that may further compound their psychological symptoms. The findings of this study underscore the pressing need for healthcare providers to improve their awareness and responsiveness to the menopausal experiences of African American women and emphasizes the necessity of a targeted, balanced and integrative approach that synthesizes medical interventions and self-care strategies that consider biological and socio-environmental factors
A Weapon in One Hand and a Bible in the Other: Places of Worship Are Under Attack
Get PDFThis qualitative descriptive study aims to ascertain the degree of preparedness for reducing and preventing extreme violence and the countermeasures that are in place (or lack thereof) at houses of worship. All places of worship in this study are considered soft targets and not “holy ground” as traditionally referenced. The terms “places of worship” and “church” will be used interchangeably in this study. A place of refuge for both the physical and spiritual is now considered vulnerable as the congregants are focused on worship rather than protection from an attack. Violence against places of worship will be described at this point in the study as anything from a minor disruption to the most severe kind of violence, such as an active shooter. The theory guiding this study is that places of worship are gun-free zones, thus making them a soft target, and if countermeasures are in place, if any, they will be able to stop the threat at their lowest level of force. Information will be gathered on countermeasures by surveying denominational and nondenominational churches in the Northern Virginia region. Reviewing lessons learned and statistics from other places of worship involved in such unfortunate incidents can be used to determine what countermeasures, if any, were in place and which countermeasures were successful or unsuccessful. Compiling the countermeasures’ success could serve as a platform for all places of worship to ensure their congregants’ safety by preventing or reducing the severity of gun violence in the place of worship
Select Independent Baptist Church Family Worship and the Impact of the Church Family Ministry
Get PDFA growing number of young adults leave the church once they reach the age of majority, leading many congregations to reevaluate the interplay between family worship, parent-equipping, and intergenerational ministry. Adopting a convergent parallel mixed methods approach, this study combined a nationwide quantitative survey of 125 parents with qualitative interviews of senior, youth, and children’s ministry leaders from four Independent Baptist churches. The survey explored how frequently parents engage in worship and discipleship practices within the home. At the same time, the interviews shed light on how church-led intergenerational worship and parent-equipping efforts influence families’ home practices. Findings reveal that parents affirm their biblical responsibility as primary spiritual influencers, yet many desire more intentional support from their local churches. Although the churches provide some intergenerational opportunities, the most consistent parent-equipping remains occasional and spontaneous rather than strategic. Drawing on Scriptural mandates like Deuteronomy 6:4–9, Ephesians 6:4, and 2 Timothy 3:16–17, this research highlights the theological basis for cultivating consistent home-based worship supported by thoughtful church partnership.
In light of the broad departure of young adults from the church, this dissertation argues that more purposeful collaboration between church leadership teams and parents can help anchor children’s faith. By bridging the gap between Sunday gatherings and daily family rhythms, churches can more effectively nurture resilient, Christ-centered worshipers across every generation
Exploring Trauma and African American Male Victims of Intimate Partner Violence
Get PDFThis qualitative phenomenological study aimed to examine the experiences of heterosexual African American men from Georgia who are victims of IPV. This study aims to identify barriers that hinder survivors from reporting their trauma and seeking mental health services and resources. The theoretical framework utilized for this research study is Intersectional Theory. Using Intersectionality as a theoretical lens for this research study allows for a greater understanding of the multiple components and experiences that shape the identity of the African American man. This qualitative phenomenological study answered the following central research questions: “In what ways do African American male victims of Intimate partner violence describe their experiences?” Data was collected from 8 heterosexual African American men who are survivors of female-perpetrated IPV. This study included participants who were African American, male, ages 21-45, and have experienced intimate partner violence (this includes any behavior within an intimate relationship (married, unmarried, and live-in) that causes physical, psychological, or sexual harm to those in that relationship). The research findings identified six themes and two subthemes to address the experiences of African American male victims of IPV and barriers to seeking services. The study\u27s results suggested that African American men experience multiple internal and external components influencing self-perception, self-identity, masculinity, interpersonal relationships, and help-seeking behaviors. The findings better explain heterosexual African American men\u27s experiences and the barriers that foster or hinder their behaviors for seeking help. This study provided recommendations for future research on the impact of trauma and the psychological and physiological factors related to the lived experiences of heterosexual African American male survivors of IPV. This study could benefit the field of family violence counseling, anger management training, emotionally focused therapy, and family systems counseling training to help expand access to appropriate and inclusive counseling interventions for heterosexual African American male survivors of IPV. These recommendations will help expand access to applicable counseling interventions for African American men, their families, the church, and administrative agencies. Also, this study could benefit mental health professionals working with individuals in this population to improve help-seeking attitudes. Overall, the research findings revealed perspective, understanding and insight for heterosexual African American men
Identity Restored: High School Students Overcoming Social Media’s Influence to Embrace Their Identity as Sons and Servants of God
Get PDFThe research question for this action research project relates to the impact of social media on the identity formation of believers through their high school years. As a youth pastor of 20 years and father of four teenagers, I’ve noticed that high school students maintain many of the social media habits and addictions seen in the secular world. This regular interaction with social media is detrimental to their identity formation; they are not adopting the identity provided for them in Christ as communicated by the Word of God. This project will discuss the roles and responsibilities of the believer\u27s identity in Christ as sons and slaves of God. Christian high school students (ages 13-18) will be encouraged to adopt their God-given identity.
The program began with 35 participants filling out a pre-program questionnaire. Ten lessons were taught, highlighting the importance of identity formation, the adverse effects of social media, and the Christian identity in Christ as sons and slaves. Small group discussions, one-on-one conversations, and a post-program questionnaire were used to collect results for analysis. The data revealed that young people at Maple City Baptist Church understand the gospel and view God as the ultimate source of their identity; however, they struggle to adopt and apply these truths, which negatively affects their spiritual and mental health. After completing Identity Restored, many testified to its effectiveness; they gained a greater appreciation for who they are in Christ and were made aware of the dangers inherent in social media addiction. Overall, the program was highly productive and is something many churches could utilize
The Relationship Between Education and Entrepreneurship within African American Women’s History as Evidenced by Eight Exemplary Success Stories
Get PDFThe educational and economic achievements of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and other institutions of learning parallel the rise of black entrepreneurial history in the 1900s. They contributed to the historical context of the African American narrative through individual development, political and social changes, educational advancement, and national and regional changes in the concept of black wealth. These institutions provided a new platform for African Americans to rebuild their lives and futures in the post-Reconstruction era. This study analyzes the connection between African American educational leadership and entrepreneurship by assessing the impact of black female educators and leaders who promoted opportunities for higher learning, increased financial success, and social activism for the black community. The trailblazing work of Anna Julia Cooper, Mary Church Terrell, Maggie Lena Walker, Mary McLeod Bethune, Mable Parker McLean, Nannie Helen Burroughs, Charlotte Hawkins Brown, and Fannie Barrier Williams helped to pave the way for positive change in the 20th century. They employed several avenues, including women’s suffrage, the women’s club movement, education, business, banking, entrepreneurship, and labor reform, to increase opportunities for higher learning while promoting racial uplift, financial improvement, social activism, and black elitism. These women challenged existing social norms through their advocacy for civil rights, changing the historical narrative of African Americans by promoting racial pride, self-help, and increased educational attainment.
The women in this study significantly impacted national education and social reforms by emphasizing the need for black education, supporting national organizations and causes with their knowledge, time, money, and social commitment, thereby providing black people with more opportunities for education and advancement in politics, society, and the economy.
Collectively and individually, women at these various institutions of learning not only helped blacks gain access to education, whether it was elementary or higher education, but also provided them with a way out of domestic and service jobs, opening up a future that had previously been denied to them. Black people were given competent role models for social, political, and economic betterment, which increased with each generation. Students, parents, medical facilities, schools, and racial uplift organizations all benefited from the support and development of these women teachers and educators.
The continued development and progress of education and entrepreneurship centers the commitment to black achievement, scholarship, collaboration, productivity, and professional development. The goal of excellence includes positive mentoring and guidance, which all of these women exhibited in their lives and careers, ensuring a lasting legacy of achievement and global impact
Understanding the Motivation and Avoidance Factors Influencing Young Adults’ Participation in Religious Dialogue
Get PDFThe following study aims to present an overview evaluation of the motivation or avoidance factors that young adults are influenced by when considering participation in religious dialogue
Mechanisms of Behavioral Change in Hosts of Toxoplasma gondii: A Review
Get PDFThe parasite Toxoplasma gondii is a highly ubiquitous parasite that latently infects an estimated 33% percent of the global population. Toxoplasmosis is of obvious clinical significance due to the extremely high risks to the unborn who contract it congenitally. Less attention has been given to a more subtle aspect of latent infection, which is the behavioral alterations that are commonly experienced by those who contract the parasite. Infected individuals commonly display a variety of altered behaviors, such as increased aggression and risk-seeking behaviors, depression, higher tendency towards suicide and self-directed violence, a loss of fear response, and a greatly increased predisposition for schizophrenia. Many mechanisms have been proposed to explain these phenomena, and some will be described here, with an emphasis on neurotransmitter and endocrine dysregulation. It is likely that the best framework for understanding behavioral alteration in hosts of Toxoplasma is one that incorporates the interactions between several proposed mechanisms