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Childhood Religious Participation as Mediator for Posttraumatic Symptoms and a Joyful Disposition in Adulthood
Get PDFIndividuals who have experienced trauma may have varying life experience outcomes based on trauma histories and other factors. Little to no study has been done to determine whether childhood religious involvement can be a mediating factor. The purpose of this quantitative study was to test if any potential mediating effects exist between childhood religious attendance, the presence of joyfulness in life, and adult posttraumatic symptoms. The theoretical framework utilized in this study was Kenneth Pargament’s theory of religious coping. Data were collected in a secure fashion utilizing Survey Monkey, and all participants voluntarily answered questions that utilized the short posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) rating instrument self-reporting tool, the joyful disposition scale, and two specific questions from the American general social survey which identified the frequency of attendance of religious services. All these measures are Likert-style questionnaires that determine the likelihood of the behaviors noted. Data were collected from a total of 262 respondents from a variety of ages, backgrounds, and locations in the United States; 246 responses were used for analysis. Upon the final study, there was no statistically significant data showing childhood religious attendance is beneficial as a mediator against PTSD symptoms. However, data analysis did show a positive correlation between childhood religious attendance and having a joyful disposition as an adult. Any positive support identified can help therapists be informed to potentially increase the quality of life of individuals who are seeking help with PTSD symptoms, which can have implications for positive social change
Risk Factors for Peripheral Artery Disease-Related Amputations Among Black Americans
Get PDFEvidence suggests that Black Americans (BAs) are at a significantly higher risk of peripheral artery disease (PAD)-related amputations. This study aimed to examine risk factors for non-traumatic lower extremity amputation (NTLEA) among BAs with PAD addressing a significant knowledge gap regarding racial disparities in PAD outcomes. Grounded in Bandura\u27s social cognitive theory, which posits the interplay among personal factors, environmental influences, and behavior, this study examines how age, gender, income, and comorbidities like cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, and diabetes influence NTLEA across various insurance types (private, Medicaid, Medicare, self-pay). This quantitative cross-sectional study used the 2020 National Inpatient Sample, 1% of which were BAs with PAD (n = 9,731). Of these, 2,140 underwent NTLEA. Logistic regression showed significant disparities. Women were less likely to experience NTLEA than men (OR = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.54-0.66, p \u3c 0.001). Kidney disease (OR = 1.19, 95% CI: 1.08–1.32, p = 0.001) and diabetes mellitus (OR = 6.73, 95% CI: 1.21–37.52, p = 0.030) increased the risk of NTLEA while age had no significant effect on NTLEA. Health insurance type modified the associations: private insurance increased NTLEA odds among those with kidney disease (OR = 2.39, 95% CI: 1.2–4.77, p = 0.014), while Medicare decreased it for those with cardiovascular conditions (OR = 0.67, 95% CI: 0.51-0.88, p = 0.004). These findings highlight the urgent need to reevaluate healthcare policies and interventions to mitigate disparities. Findings can be used to create tailored healthcare solutions based on insurance type and comorbidity profiles to foster positive social change and promote equitable health outcomes for BAs with PAD
The Feasibility of Operating a Small City Police Department: A Fiscal Trend Analysis
Get PDFThis professional administrative study (PAS) was developed to determine the feasibility of the client organization operating a small city police department or continuing with contracted police services by performing a fiscal trend analysis. The client organization’s law enforcement costs have risen significantly in the past decades and continue to rise. The fiscal trend analysis associated with operating a small city department was compared to those of three similar-sized California cities with small police departments. A fiscal trend analysis was completed using 10-year budget data from the client organization and three similar-sized California cities with small police departments. The fiscal analysis has shown that operational costs are less or slightly higher in two out of the three cities in California than in contract costs with the client organization. The study findings may assist the client organization in determining the best course of action to address expensive contracted law enforcement costs. Additionally, the implications for public administrative practice are that this study may support other similar-sized California cities whose leaders may be seeking alternatives to contract police services. Moreover, the findings of this study will positively impact social change by encouraging other California cities to consider the financial challenges and opportunities of operating police departments, which may result in enhanced police services and more affordable policing options for the communities
Information Technology Management and Emotional Intelligence
Get PDFInformation technology (IT) employees often face high stress, burnout, and turnover, indicating a potential gap in IT leaders’ emotional intelligence (EI), which may hinder their ability to support and retain their teams effectively. Since IT plays a critical role in organizational performance and achieving strategic goals, addressing this gap is crucial for improving team well-being and organizational success. Grounded in EI theory, the purpose of this quantitative correlational study was to examine the relationship between IT managers’ EI subscales—assertiveness and interpersonal relationships—and their influence on the EI subscale, happiness/well–being indicator. The participants were 38 IT managers from U.S. organizations who completed a 133-item EQ-i 2.0 self-assessment. The results of the multiple linear regression were statistically significant between the EI subscales, assertiveness, interpersonal relationships, and the happiness/well–being indicator, F(2, 35) = 13.40, p \u3c .001, R2 = .43. The final model showed that the interpersonal relationships predictor (B = 0.65, t = 4.22, p \u3c .001) had a highly positive correlation and was statistically significant. In contrast, the assertiveness predictor (B = 0.22, t = 1.22, p = .23) had a slight positive correlation but was not statistically significant. A key recommendation is for organizational leaders to incorporate EI assessments and training into leadership development, hiring, and onboarding processes, focusing on EI traits to improve team morale, productivity, and retention and foster a supportive workplace culture. The implications for positive social change include the potential for promoting EI development among IT managers, thereby supporting work environments that enhance productivity, morale, and work–life balance
Successful Strategies to Operate Profitably in Bottom of the Pyramid Markets
Get PDFIn 2022, 133 million Nigerians were at the bottom of the pyramid (BOP), representing a large yet challenging market segment. Business leaders in the Nigerian fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry must develop strategies to operate profitably in this low income market to sustain their businesses and capture significant growth opportunities. Grounded in Prahalad’s BOP conceptual framework, the purpose of this qualitative multiple case study was to explore how four Nigerian FMCG leaders developed and implemented successful strategies to operate profitably in BOP countries. Data were collected through semistructured interviews and from company website documents. Using data triangulation and thematic analysis, three key themes emerged: tailoring design and marketing strategies for diverse consumer segments; optimizing product packaging to balance affordability and quality; and adapting business practices to volatile market conditions. A key recommendation is for business leaders to ensure that products marketed to BOP communities are affordable, maintain good quality, and are offered in appropriately sized packaging to meet consumer needs. The implications for positive social change include the potential for business leaders to alleviate poverty, enhance the quality of life for Nigerian citizens, and foster self-worth by creating gainful employment opportunities for individuals in BOP communities
An Educational Intervention Focused on the Importance of Follow-Up Appointments for Telehealth Patients
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Strategies for Sustaining Small Business Beyond 10 Years
Get PDFSmall business owners in the restaurant industry face financial, operational, and competitive challenges that often lead to failure. Identifying practical solutions to these setbacks is critical to empowering entrepreneurs and fostering sustainable strategies for long-term success. Grounded in Lazear\u27s jack-of-all-trades theory, the purpose of this qualitative multiple case study was to explore effective business planning strategies used by small restaurant owners to stay competitive and sustainable beyond the first 10 years of operation. The participants were five small restaurant owners in Western Canada, each with over 10 years of experience. Data were collected through semistructured interviews, public records, and organizational documents. Thematic analysis revealed key strategies: consistent industry benchmarketing, staff training, and adopting technologies like point-of-sale systems. Other strategies comprised strategic planning, adaptability, and customer relationship management. Recommendations include conducting periodic business evaluations, prioritizing employee development, and leveraging technology to enhance operations. The implications for positive social change include the potential to implement business planning strategies that improve small business sustainability, thereby fostering employee well-being, supporting local economies, and utilizing local suppliers
Barbados Students’ Perceptions Regarding Pursuing Tertiary Education
Get PDFDespite the government of Barbados’ 2018 resumption of full payment of undergraduate tuition, enrollment at the lone indigenous tertiary education institution has not fully rebounded to prior levels. Understanding potential students’ decision-making processes regarding their intention to pursue tertiary education may help local tertiary education administrators and policymakers enact interventions to maintain and increase enrollment. Guided by the reasoned action approach, the purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore Barbadian students’ perceptions about influences on their decision-making regarding their pursuit of tertiary education at the only local university in Barbados. Data were collected using one-on-one, semi-structured interviews from a purposeful sample of 13 Barbadian students, 18 years or older, eligible to enroll at the local tertiary education institution. Thematic data analysis with inductive coding was applied to determine findings from the data. Themes included affordability, career prospects, location, personal agency, and enrollment barriers. The implications for social change include providing insights to understand tertiary education enrollment intentions that could increase local enrollment in small island states universities. Increased tertiary enrollment and potential for degree completion over time may foster individual prosperity and consequently contribute to economic growth, development, and global competitiveness of small states
Pedagogy of Moss Model in School Leadership Approaches for Indigenous 2SLGBTQ+ K–12 Students
Get PDFThe research problem of the study was the insufficient knowledge regarding principals’ and assistant principals’ perceptions of their roles and needs in creating safe, decolonial, and culturally responsive educational environments for Indigenous 2SLGBTQ+ K–12 students in Northern Canadian communities. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore the perceptions of school principals/assistant principals regarding their role and needs in creating safe, decolonial, and culturally responsive educational environments for Indigenous 2SLGBTQ+ K–12 students in Northern Canadian communities. Using tribal critical race theory and cis-heteronormative queer theory as the conceptual framework, semistructured interviews were conducted with 10 experienced principals/assistant principals. Qualitative content analysis was used employing deductive and inductive coding. Two themes emerged related to establishing culturally responsive educational environments for Indigenous 2SLGBTQ+ K–12 students in Northern Canadian communities: (a) honoring students’ humanity and (b) relational systemic growth. Honoring students’ humanity entails affirming Indigenous 2SLGBTQ+ identities, while relational systemic growth involves community-driven collaboration for decolonial, culturally responsive school environments. The findings support a possible model—the pedagogy of moss: A symbiotic growth model. The study’s findings offer insights into practices and supports needed to nurture responsive school environments for Indigenous 2SLGBTQ+ students, contributing to positive social change by nurturing resilience, empathy, and collective growth within Northern Canadian communities and beyond
Student Perceptions of Black Professors in College Programs
Get PDFThis transcendental, phenomenological study aimed to explore the lived experiences of students and their perceptions of how Black faculty behaviors and interactions impact them in a college program, shedding light on the importance of supportive connections and the role of race in these dynamics. In this study, the terms Black or African American were used interchangeably. The results from this study provide an awareness of how students perceive their Black professors and how the student-professor relationship develops among students and their Black professors, particularly when it comes to perceived caring and support. Semistructured, in-depth interviews were used to explore 10 participants’ perceptions. Critical pedagogy was the guiding framework for the study. Purposive and snowball sampling were used to select participants. The data were analyzed using Husserl’s 3-step thematic analysis process. The following themes were found: harmonious and discordant notes of academia, the dynamics of educational ecosystems, and synergistic dynamics. This study may lead to positive social change by outlining how universities should prioritize attracting and retaining students of color and hiring and promoting diverse faculty, as their presence fosters accessible and supportive campus environments. I can contribute to positive change by facilitating dialogue and understanding between individuals with different perspectives, fostering empathy, and creating a more inclusive and tolerant society. The findings of this study align with the social determinants of health by demonstrating how the presence and behaviors of Black professors positively impact students\u27 overall well-being, academic success, and sense of community