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Examining Emergent Patterns of Behavior in White Female Sexual Homicide Offenders
Get PDFThe majority of studies on sexual homicide offenders (SHOs) have been conducted on male sexual homicide offenders (MSHOs). In many aspects, this is due to society’s reluctance to view women as capable of sexual murder. There have only been a handful of studies conducted on female sexual homicide offenders (FSHOs). However, these studies found substantial differences between MSHOs and FSHOs, as well as between White FSHOs and Black FSHOs. Since prior studies on FSHOs have all been quantitative, this study employed a qualitative case study approach to analyze FSHOs. Using rational choice theory, 12 White FSHO cases were examined, using both primary and secondary data sources. Out of these 12 cases, six were solo White FSHOs, and six were White FSHOs who acted with one or more partners. Each phase of the crime committal process (pre-crime, crime, and post-crime) was analyzed to determine emergent patterns of behavior unique to White FSHOs. The most prevalent findings were the presence of control, overkill, and torture in direct correlation to the sexual aspects of the homicide. Additionally, while the data confirmed some of what was previously known about FSHOs, including racial and gender aspects of victim selection, other data on the intimate relationships between solo White FSHOs and their male victims, as well as the lack of firearm prevalence, conflicted with prior quantitative findings. This study contributes to positive social change by expanding the contextual knowledge of White FSHOs’ behaviors, which may aid law enforcement in identifying and subsequently apprehending these individuals
Perpetration-Induced Traumatic Stress and Moral Injury in Adult Male Incarcerated Individuals
Get PDFUnderutilizing trauma-informed approaches in correctional rehabilitation has had detrimental consequences, particularly for gang-involved populations. Theories of personality, responsivity, and stress suggest that gang-affiliated individuals, shaped by coercive environments, may develop psychological reactions such as fear, guilt, and moral shame that contribute to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and moral injury (MI). This study examined whether gang role, psychopathy, and perpetration predicted PTSD and MI among 70 incarcerated adult males. Participants completed the Moral Injury Outcome Scale (MIOS), the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), and the Levenson Self-Report Psychopathy Scale (LSRP). Two hierarchical regressions were conducted. In the PTSD model, only education level significantly predicted PTSD symptoms (B = 3.28, p = .04), with higher education associated with greater symptom severity. The full model explained 17% of the variance; gang role, perpetration, and psychopathy were not significant. The MI model accounted for 33% of the variance and was statistically significant. Gang leadership (B = –6.50, p = .05), perpetration (B = 12.01, p = .03), and intervention history (B = 5.74, p = .03) emerged as significant predictors. These findings suggest that moral injury in gang-involved incarcerated individuals is influenced more by social context, coercion, and role pressure than by dispositional traits such as psychopathy. Integrating trauma-focused assessments and interventions that address moral shame, guilt, and external coercion may strengthen rehabilitation outcomes, support successful community reentry, and reduce recidivism
Development of an Evidence-Based Educational Intervention to Increase Correctional Nurses’ Knowledge of Mental Health Crisis Management
Get PDFThis Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) educational intervention targeted correctional nurses and aimed to enhance their knowledge of mental health crisis management. Correctional environments often lack training for managing mental health emergencies, which can negatively impact safety. The goal was to increase correctional nurse knowledge of mental health emergency management. The guiding question was whether an educational intervention would increase correctional nurses’ knowledge of mental health crisis management by a minimum of 20% following a structured, evidence-based educational session. A pretest and posttest design was used in the project. A total of 20 participants completed a pretest, posttest and program evaluation. The collected data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and normalized gains. Mean scores increased from 47.68 on the pretest to 67.68 on the posttest representing a 39% gain exceeding the 20% objective. Project results confirmed that an educational intervention can enhance nurse knowledge of crisis management. These results aligned with evidence from similar interventions, such as basic mental health education for nurses, which has shown meaningful competency gains in pretest and posttest designs. Based on these outcomes, it was recommended that the correctional institution incorporate the training tI need hrough regular, structured modules and integrate it into onboarding programs to strengthen nurse readiness, promote organizational safety, and enhance equitable mental health care for incarcerated individuals. The project’s outcomes support positive social change by fostering a safer correctional environment, advancing equitable access to quality mental health care, and promoting a culture of diversity, inclusion, and respect within nursing practice
Depression Screening in Veterans and Active-Duty Service Members with Chronic Pain
Get PDFThis Doctor of Nursing Practice project addressed the absence of evidence-based depression screening among military members and veterans with chronic pain. Contrary to national guidelines, no standardized depression screening process was in place. This gap in practice was attributed to inadequate staff knowledge and understanding in using such tools. The purpose of this project was to evaluate whether staff education on the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) improved knowledge and confidence, in evaluating for and identifying depression in a high-risk population. The practice-focused question asked: Will staff education on the importance and consistent use PHQ-9 increase knowledge and confidence in depression screening among chronic pain patients? The project was guided by the Johns Hopkins evidence-based practice model (JHNEBPM), the ADDIE model, Watson’s theory of human caring, and Leininger’s culture care theory. A comprehensive literature review was conducted using databases to identify 1,095 articles, five of which were selected for inclusion and appraised using the JHNEBPM tool. A quantitative pre- and post-knowledge assessment was used. Twenty-three participants completed the assessments and integrated with an educational intervention. Data analyzed through the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test, revealing a statistically significant improvement (Z= 0.0, p = .0013). Implementation of staff education was supported by the findings of this project. Additionally, statistical significance revealed transferability of this staff education project in educating staff and improving outcomes related to the identification of those with depression in chronic pain settings
Staff Education to Acute Care Nursing Staff on Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Get PDFFor this Doctor of Nursing Practice project in physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R), the focus was on enhancing education for acute care nurses about the benefits of inpatient rehabilitation for appropriate patients. The practice problem was the underutilization of inpatient rehabilitation despite its proven benefits in improving patient outcomes and reducing readmissions. With this project, I aimed to educate nurses on identifying suitable candidates for inpatient rehabilitation, thereby improving patient care transitions and outcomes. The practice-focused question revolved around assessing the effectiveness of educational interventions in increasing nurse knowledge and referral rates to inpatient rehab. Analytical strategies included pre- and posttests to measure knowledge gain and consultation rates for rehabilitation services as well as qualitative feedback on participants’ perceived level of learning and impact on their daily practice. Findings indicate a significant improvement in nursing knowledge, highlighting the efficacy of targeted education. Major conclusions include the need for ongoing education and support to sustain practice changes. My recommendations are integrating rehabilitation consultation guidelines into nursing workflows and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. Implications for nursing practice include improved patient outcomes through timely rehabilitation referrals, ensuring equitable access to rehabilitation services for all patients no matter their ethnicity, social status, economic status, insurance coverage, sexual orientation, or preexisting condition
Experiences and Training of Early Childhood Education Directors
Get PDFIn Colorado, early childhood education (ECE) directors are often not fully prepared to lead and develop high-quality teaching teams, which is integral to offering high-quality programming to children and families in the early years of development. Framed by transformational leadership theory, the purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore Colorado ECE directors\u27 experiences with training and support, and the resources needed to develop ECE directors to lead high-quality programming . Data were collected through semistructured interviews with 13 Colorado ECE directors from center-based programs that serve children from birth to 8 years. Thematic analysis using open coding yielded four themes indicating ECE directors (a) felt unprepared for an ECE directorship, (b) saw there were multiple paths to becoming an ECE director, (c) reported challenges with the time and economics of training and work life balance, and (d) need additional support specific to their position to ensure high-quality programming. The findings from this study may promote positive social change if used to help ECE directors, policy makers, and the ECE workforce to make decisions on best practices, policies, and credentialing to support children and families in accessing high-quality early childhood programming
Beyond the Headlines: Exploring the Mental Health Impacts of Police Brutality on Social Media in Black Americans
Get PDFStudies show Black Americans face high police brutality, leading to mental health issues like PTSD, depression, and anxiety. The purpose of this qualitative interpretive phenomenological study is to explore the lived experiences of Black Americans who have been exposed to police brutality on social media and how it impacts their racial identity and emotional well-being. This study employed critical race theory as both a theoretical lens and a conceptual framework to examine how race and systemic inequalities shape legal systems and societal narratives. I used IPA to explore how people interpret their experiences and the meanings they assign. This study answered two research questions: How do media stories of police brutality impact Black Americans’ mental and emotional wellness? How have social media stories of police brutality impacted Black Americans’ racial identity? Twelve participants—six men and six women—were interviewed during the research. Six themes were found: (a) Division Between Black Americans and the White Badge, (b) Panic, Anger, and Distrust of the White Badge, (c) Desire for Social Change, (d) Be on an Even Playing Field, (e) Impact on Racial Identity, and (f) Police Officers Need to be Held Accountable. The findings indicated that participants’ racial identity remained intact, with many expressing pride in being Black. It is recommended to expand to more states using a quantitative approach. This study is significant because it highlights the impact of social media on mental health and racial identity, supporting the development of tailored mental health services, research, and social justice efforts. Policymakers can utilize these findings to promote positive changes in interactions between Black Americans and police officers
Male Veteran Sexual Trauma Survivors\u27 Experiences of Military Culture and Institutional Betrayal
Get PDFThe phenomenon of Military sexual trauma (MST) among male survivors is significantly underreported and lacking in scholarly research. The purpose of this qualitative generic study was to explore male veteran MST survivors’ perspectives on military culture and institutional betrayal. Cultural spillover theory provided the framework, emphasizing that a culture that legitimizes violence to achieve its goals has the potential to foster illegitimate violence within that culture. The primary research question in this study was: What are the perceptions and experiences of male veteran MST survivors on military institutional culture and MST? Six semi-structured interviews were conducted via Zoom with male veteran MST survivors who served on active duty when the incident of MST occurred. Open-ended questions during participant interviews highlighted the participants’ views on military culture and institutional betrayal. Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis and manual coding were applied during data analysis, and four themes emerged. Results revealed that the hemogenic masculine culture of the military and institutional betrayal contribute to male service members becoming victims/survivors of MST. This research contributes to positive social change by adding to current knowledge regarding male MST survivors’ experiences and the need for a positive culture shift in the United States military. In addition, this study contributes to positive social change by highlighting the need for ongoing MST assessments for military members, annual MST awareness and education training, and the necessity of creating supportive systems to combat the stigma associated with male MST
The Experiences of African Americans Seeking Health Care Services
Get PDFHealth care experiences are shaped by life events and cultural background, making engagement with providers individualized. African Americans have historically reported distrust of health professionals due to targeted mistreatment. The purpose of this generic qualitative study was to explore the experiences of middle-aged African American adults receiving care from non-African American health care providers. Rosenstock’s health belief model was the framework for the study. Nine participants were recruited from social media using purposeful sampling. Data were gathered through semistructured interviews held on Zoom. Saldana’s four-step qualitative data analysis process was utilized to analyze the data. The results of the data analysis yielded five themes: (a) middle-aged African American adults desire health care services considerate of culture, (b) middle-aged African American adults experience communication challenges with non-African American health care providers, (c) middle-aged African American adults have varied experiences with non-African American health care providers, (d) middle-aged African American adults experience unconscious bias when receiving health care services from non-African American health care providers, and (e) middle-aged African American adults experience systemic limitations when receiving health care services from non-African American health care providers. The focus on middle-aged African American adults’ experiences of engagement contributes to raising awareness of the cultural and systemic changes needed to reduce barriers to care, promote societal change, and improve the quality of health care for African Americans