732 research outputs found
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Service to American Heroes: Exploring the Experiences of Veterans Suffering from PTSD Transitioning from Military Service to Civilian Careers
No full textPurpose. The purpose of this multiple case study was to explore the experiences of post-9/11 veterans suffering from PTSD residing in California who transitioned from military service to civilian careers within the last 3-5 years, through the lens of Schlossberg’s 4S factors of situation, self, social support, and strategies.
Methodology. A qualitative case study was used allowing for in-depth exploration. A multiple case study was selected to explore the lived experiences of PTSD veterans who recently transitioned from military service to civilian careers in San Diego, CA. The primary method of data collection was semi-structured interviews to gather the stories and perceptions of three veterans suffering from PTSD.
Findings. Analysis of the results led to seven major findings organized by the Schlossberg’s 4S model. The factor of situation revealed the veterans mental health disorders and prioritizing their personal needs were motivational factors in transitioning. For the factor of self, veterans shared the availability of disability benefits and their desire to adjust to civilian life contributed to their decision to separate from the military. For the factor of social support, veterans indicated ongoing support from family and friends was critical to successfully transitioning to civilian careers. The factor of strategies had the most findings, which included veterans relying on their self-determination and motivation, using other veterans or VA supports, and managing stress through therapy, all of which aided in their successful transition to civilian careers.
Conclusions. Seven conclusions were established based on the findings. These conclusions impact programs and policies for the Department of Labor, Department of Defense, and Department of Veterans Affairs regarding their military personnel programs prior to and after separation.
Recommendations. Recommendations for future research include conducting studies on the support of family and friends of veterans who successfully transitioned and examination of obstacles impeding successful transition as perceived by veterans
Exploration of Recognized Risk-Analytic Practices by C-Suite Expert Executives of Nonprofit Agencies that serve the Homeless Population: A Delphi Study
No full textPurpose: This study had the ultimate purpose and research questions to synthesize findings from a panel of expert C-suite executives representing regional nonprofit organization (NPO) homeless service providers from two regions in the state of California about their perception of essential risk mitigation practices that increase the likelihood of the agency’s overall capacity to sustain homeless population services through a five-year period of operations. In addition, the exploration examined those risk-mitigation practices identified as most important to the organization’s sustainability and with the greatest likelihood of being implemented by NPOs that serve the homeless population.
Methodology: Using a Delphi design, the researcher developed three rounds of questions beginning in Round 1 with an open-ended question, Round 2 with a ranking question, and Round 3 with a Likert scale to achieve consensus from the panel about essential risk mitigation practices.
Findings: Through the data collection process, the researcher was able to identify 14 themes for risk mitigation practices among California NPO C-suite executives from two regions in California within Round 1. In Round 2 the researcher was able to identify what the expert panelists perceived as five practices considered essential risk mitigation practices for NPO’s to be sustainable. In the final round, the panelists came to consensus about those five practices that were most likely to be implemented.
Conclusion: The findings from this research identified practical information that may aid NPOs in the area of using risk management practices for program planning and long-term sustainability of NPO services for the homeless and may spawn future exploration to identify industry standards for the field.
Recommendations: It was recommended to continue to explore NPOs use of risk management practices on a national level and utilize the federal government and/or funders to drive the charge to standardize core practices across NPOs
Guided Pathway Elements from the California Community College Counselor Perspective
No full textPurpose: The purpose of this qualitative multicase study was to describe what California community college counselors consider important elements of guided pathways that increase student success. Additionally, this study will explore how counselors describe the challenges of guided pathways. Lastly, this study identified counselor recommendations for improving guided pathways to increase student success.
Methodology: This qualitative study used a multiple-case study to explore what important guided pathway features California community colleges offer students from the counselor’s perspective. Semi-structured interviews were held with 12 counselors from six California community colleges that have implemented guided pathways on their campuses to capture rich data regarding guided pathways. Additionally, archival records and documentation were used to triangulate the data.
Findings: Research question one covered important elements of guided pathways. The findings showed six major themes: provide student supports or wraparound services, have strong communication with students, provide specialized or embedded counseling, offer communities, offer clear options, and use a student-centered approach. Research question two covered challenges of guided pathways from the counselor perspective. The three major themes were lack of administrative support, getting started with the process, and misconceptions or outdated beliefs. The final research question asked counselors about recommendations for improving guided pathways to increase student success. Three themes were identified: have strong communication, involve all staff, and show data.
Conclusions: Examination of key findings resulted in seven conclusions. Colleges should have strong student support wraparound services, have strong communication with students, colleges should offer specialized or embedded counseling, high school outreach is critical, colleges should have a strong career focus, strong faculty engagement, and strong leadership.
Recommendations: The study of California community colleges as they relate to guided pathway features from the counselor perspectives is relatively unexplored, and there are recommendations to conduct further research to broaden the scope and add to the body of literature available. The recommendations for action for colleges as they design and implement guided pathways in their institutions are improve counseling, invest in high school outreach, and offer strong student support services
Mini 08: How to Finish Your Dissertation in 6 Months After Coursework
No full textThis session will be delivered a Gamma who successfully defended her dissertations within six months after completion of course work. Switching the thought process from coursework to dissertation process can seem daunting at first glance. However, with the proper preparation, you can achieve great success! From picking your chair and committee, to balancing life and work with the writing process, how do you set up successful protocols? What do you need to do for each chapter? What do the proposal and oral defenses look like? How do you work with your population and samples? Is there life after the dissertation journey? This workshop will share first-hand experiences on navigating Brandman’s dissertation process and set you on the path to defense and graduation
