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Barriers That Prevent African American Females from Being Selected for Senior Executive Service Positions in the Department of Veterans Affairs
No full textAmid unprecedented changes and ongoing uncertainties within the federal workforce, it remains vital that executive leadership reflects the diversity of the employees, patients, and stakeholders they serve. This study addressed the persistent underrepresentation of African American females who, despite being assessed as qualified, were not selected for Senior Executive Service (SES) positions within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to explore the perceptions and lived experiences of African American females regarding the barriers they encountered in advancing to SES positions.
By addressing this research problem, the aim of the study was to promote a deeper understanding of the systemic and structural challenges impeding advancement and to identify strategies for fostering more equitable opportunities. Overcoming these barriers can enhance organizational equity, employee morale, productivity, and the overall quality of service delivery.
Participants were recruited via LinkedIn, screened for eligibility, and provided informed consent prior to participation. Seventeen participants completed semi-structured interviews designed to explore three primary research questions focusing on their career progression experiences and perceptions of how Executive Orders on diversity, equity, and inclusion have influenced their advancement. Data were analyzed thematically using NVivo software to identify, analyze, and report emerging themes. Findings revealed participant perceptions of the types of support and structural changes needed to improve access to SES opportunities. Their insights provided practical recommendations for organizational leaders to better prepare and position qualified African American females for executive advancement. The participant contributions offer a foundation for future research on underrepresented groups with intersecting identities across other federal leadership contexts
The Psychological and Behavioural Impacts of Addictive Video Game Design On Delayed Gratification
No full textThis capstone project investigates the impacts of addictive video design on delayed gratification, drawing from psychological and behavioural components. By researching video game design mechanisms such as variable rewards, loot boxes, and the requirement of memory and attention, the findings indicate impacts on long-term goal setting among adolescents and young adults. The findings position internet gaming disorder (IGD) as an addictive outcome, where neurologic and behavioural outcomes are parallel to what is observed among individuals who struggle with substance abuse and gambling. By synthesizing the available literature in this project, vital cognitive and behavioural changes are highlighted as a result of gaming addiction that have rewired individual preference for immediate reinforcement rather than delayed ones. To mitigate this outcome, interventions such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and psychoeducational changes are discussed as practical methods to support recovery. Promoting digital literacy and policy changes among outlets, such as schools, are recommended to raise awareness and foster behavioural change. The limitations of this capstone include the underrepresentation of the female sample and the lack of longitudinal neuroimaging studies. At its core, this capstone provides a body of evidence that highlights gaming addiction as a complication that impacts individuals’ psychological well-being
Perfectionism Through a Cultural Perspective: Exploring the Relationships Between Culture, Perfectionism, and Psychological Well-Being
No full textThe increase in perfectionism presentations in the population and the continuous growth in cross-cultural interactions through globalization, calls for an inquiry into the role of culture in the development of perfectionism and psychological outcomes. Current discourse in perfectionistic research shows a gap in understanding around the impact of culture in shaping experiences of perfectionism. This capstone project looks at existing links between cultural orientation and perfectionism presentation, and examines the role of acculturation in shaping perfectionism. Strengths and weaknesses of therapeutic modalities commonly used to treat maladaptive perfectionism are explored in terms of cultural responsivity, and cultural considerations are highlighted for counsellors working with clients of collectivist backgrounds. This capstone will also suggest a framework to working with perfectionism based on the incorporation of collectivist values and relational cultural theory as a mean of offering an alternative culturally responsive care
The Effects of Corporate Social Responsibility on Financial Performance Moderated by CSR Disclosure
No full textDespite increasing attention to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), prior studies have produced inconsistent findings regarding its financial benefits, particularly when considering how CSR disclosure influences the CSR–performance relationship. The purpose of this quantitative, correlational study was to examine the relationship between CSR and the financial performance of publicly traded U.S. consumer-staples companies while assessing the moderating effect of CSR disclosure. Guided by Stakeholder Theory, this study sought to clarify how transparency and ethical practices contribute to firm profitability. The sample included seventy- seven companies analyzed using IntellectusStatistics. CSR was measured through environmental and social performance indicators, and financial performance was represented by return on equity (ROE) and net profit margin (NPM). The results revealed that CSR had a significant positive relationship with ROE but not with NPM. Additionally, CSR disclosure significantly moderated the relationship between CSR and ROE, emphasizing the role of transparency in enhancing CSR’s financial impact. These findings partially validated Stakeholder Theory by demonstrating that ethical and transparent business practices can enhance long-term financial performance. The study contributes to the literature by clarifying how CSR and disclosure interact to influence firm outcomes, offering practical guidance for organizations seeking to integrate responsibility and profitability in strategic decision-making. Future research could expand this analysis to other industries or consider additional CSR dimensions
Gender Differences in ADHD Diagnosis
No full textAttention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that impacts 3% of the population worldwide and approximately 11% of children. Most of the research on ADHD has been conducted on samples of predominantly males which has resulted in a lack of research and knowledge on the symptom presentation in females. The goal of this capstone is to address the gap in ADHD research on females, as well as analyze the differences in symptom presentation between males and females. This capstone looks at female ADHD diagnosis through the lens of attachment and family systems theories. A proposal for a group session for professionals that highlights the differences in symptoms between males and females is explained in chapter 3
Disenfranchised Grief and Ambiguous Loss in Migration: The Experiences of Migrants in Canada
No full textThis capstone examines how migrants in Canada experience ambiguous loss and disenfranchised grief. A systematic review of 11 peer-reviewed articles (2020–2025), shows three major themes: the layered loss of migration, including identity disruption, and cultural displacement; silenced grief and systemic exclusion; and meaning-making and resilience through adaptive coping strategies and cultural continuity. The analysis is grounded in a constructivist paradigm and draws on ambiguous loss theory, disenfranchised grief theory, shattered assumptions theory, and intersectionality to highlight how dominant Western models sometimes misinterpret migrant grief. The findings reveal the need for culturally responsive, trauma-informed approaches that validate migrant grief and reduce the risk of pathologization. This study contributes to counselling practice by highlighting narratives that are underrepresented, especially those of racialized migrants. It offers recommendations for more inclusive clinical and systemic responses
A Couple's Transition to Parenthood and Its Effect on the Well-Being of the Family System
No full textThis capstone explores how to effectively support and empower couples during the transition to parenthood, a period filled with individual and relationship changes that have significant implications for relational, parental, and family well-being. More specifically, the paper highlights how supporting and educating couples at this developmental stage fosters healthier partner relationships, strengthens coparenting dynamics, and enhances overall family functioning, including the developmental outcomes of children. The paper underscores the role of counsellors and health practitioners in preparing couples for the psychological, relational, and structural changes associated with the transition to parenthood. Key theoretical concepts are reviewed, including attachment theory, parenting style, and family-of-origin influences, which shape individual parental identity and inter-partner perceptions. In addition, the reciprocal relationship between relationship quality and coparenting is explored, with attention to dyadic coping and conflict style affecting relationship satisfaction. Drawing on existing empirical research, the paper explores evidence-based therapies and preventive programs designed to promote family well-being. Finally, a framework for a psychoeducational couple’s workshop is presented, offering practical modules that can be integrated into existing prenatal education programming to better support expectant parents at a time when they are already seeking support and information
Developing a Manual to Address Mental Health Stigma and Barriers for African American Women
No full textThis project developed and evaluated This House: A Manual for Culturally Responsive Mental Health Care, designed to address the stigma and cultural barriers African American women face when seeking mental health services. Grounded in cultural competence theory and intersectionality, the manual was created to support mental health professionals better understand and respond to the cultural narratives that shape help-seeking. A qualitative methodology was used, incorporating structured rubric reviews and a focus group discussion with African American women with lived experiences, faith-based leaders, and mental health professionals. Data from rubric evaluations and the group discussion were analyzed thematically to assess the manual’s clarity, cultural relevance, and practical usefulness. Results indicated that the manual effectively addressed key cultural barriers and was viewed as a valuable tool for improving engagement among African American women. Participant feedback informed revisions to enhance clarity, cultural depth, and applicability across clinical and community settings. Overall, the project underscores the need for culturally responsive resources that reduce stigma, increase accessibility, and support more equitable mental health care for marginalized populations, with recommendations for continued research on the manual’s impact in real-world mental health practice
How Does Parental Rejection Impact Relational Dynamics in Same-Sex Relationships?
No full textEarly parental rejection in childhood influences attachment, romantic satisfaction, and resilience for 2SLGBTQ+ couples. This study aims to bridge the gap in current research and address the needs of minority populations by integrating developmental, emotional, and sociocultural perspectives to understand how family relationships influence adult intimacy. This literature review seeks to answer the guiding question: How do early parental acceptance or rejection experiences affect adult attachment and romantic satisfaction in 2SLGBTQ+ populations? This study employed thematic analysis to code the qualitative data, which supported the development of a conceptual framework and the identification of emergent patterns related to attachment and relationship outcomes. Because thematic coding is a qualitative method, the focus was on interpreting themes rather than on identifying variables, as is characteristic of quantitative research. Research has shown that insecure attachments are associated with reduced relationship satisfaction and well-being, while family acceptance, secure attachment, and resilience promote more positive relational outcomes. Integrating Attachment Theory, Interpersonal Acceptance–Rejection Theory (IPARTheory), Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), and Queer Theory provides a multidimensional understanding of how early family experiences and societal factors interact to shape adult relationships. The research shows that therapeutic approaches focused on the 2SLGBTQ+ community need to be implemented into clinical practice that are gender affirming and all-inclusive. The findings highlight the importance of addressing both developmental and sociocultural contexts in promoting resilience and relationship satisfaction among 2SLGBTQ+ individuals
Exploring Emotion-Focused Therapy for Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Major Depressive Disorder
No full textThis capstone examined the evidence of emotion-focused therapy in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder among adults aged 18 and older. Both disorders pose significant public health concerns due to their high prevalence and persistent impact on quality of life. A narrative literature review and thematic analysis of qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods studies published between 2017 and 2025 were conducted. Three themes emerged from the analysis: mechanisms of change, client outcomes, and obstacles and limitations to change. Findings demonstrate the promise of emotion-focused therapy in treating generalized anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder; however, more research is needed to strengthen and validate these results. Implications for clinicians, policymakers, funding bodies, and researchers are discussed, along with recommendations for future research to address empirical gaps