Electronic Theses and Dissertations
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Browsing Electronic Theses and Dissertations by Department "Counselor Education"
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Item A Phenomenological Study of the Experiences of Supervisors working with Crisis Counselors(2017-07-10) Tran, Quoc Dung V. L.; Lawson, DavidA phenomenological study was conducted at a Southwestern United States University to examine the experience of nine supervisors who work with crisis counselors. This study examined the training, topics, and difficulties experienced as they sought to support and perform their supervisory duties. Nine themes emerge and described as Learning the job, Crisis topics, Effective Communication, Skills development, Maintaining flexibility, Setting boundaries, Maintaining support, Stress, burnout, and self-care, and Balance. Best practices were identified by supervisors to build resiliency and promote growth for both supervisors and their supervisees. Implications for practice and research are included to further enhance effective supervision of crisis counselors.Item A PHENOMENOLOGICAL STUDY TO EXPLORE LIVED EXPERIENCES OF HISPANIC UNACCOMPANIED HOMELESS YOUTH(2021-04-26) Uribe, Efrain Francisco; Brown, TimothyThe purpose of this study was to explore the lived experiences of Hispanic Unaccompanied Homeless Youth (HUHY) enrolled in public high school in Texas. Homeless students face unique living challenges. However, homeless students have proven abilities critical for their academic pursuits. The study results showed homeless students are resilient and needed at least one deep personal connection with a school staff member. Among this study’s findings are that homeless students might sometimes camouflage signs of their homelessness by concealing their indigent status. Moreover, homeless students in some instances were denied enrollment and services. All the participants in this study were pursuing their studies with determination and aspirations to graduate from high school. The participants used their homelessness as a source of resilience to overcome their living challenges. This study contributes new insight to the phenomenon of Hispanic homeless students and adds new knowledge on homeless students’ lives and their experiences in high school. The study’s findings, applications, and usefulness target audiences made of educators, school administrators, and private and political stakeholders. Additionally, this study may be used to advocate for the welfare of homeless students and the time use of school counselors as individuals that promote student connections and social policies for at-risk populations.Item A Qualitative Exploration of a Select Group of Student-Athlete Mothers Who Experienced a Pregnancy While Competing at a NCAA Division I or Division II University(2017-11-13) Williams, Candice D.; Sullivan, Jeffery M.The purpose of this study was to examine the lived experiences of a select group of female student-athletes who experienced a pregnancy while competing at a NCAA Division I or Division II university. After an in-depth review of the literature, this study assisted in gathering the experiences of the participants by utilizing a transcendental phenomenological qualitative method. This method was implemented by utilizing semi-structured interviews with each participant. Using Moustakas’s (1994) method for conducting a qualitative transcendental phenomenological study, interview data was prepared for analyzing data and reporting results. Eight major themes were derived after carefully coding transcriptions, and grouping common themes to describe the phenomenon: (a) pregnancy decisions, (b) on being a pregnant-student athlete, (c) available support during and after pregnancy, (d) perceived organizational support, (e) guidance and suggestions around pregnancy. The shared experiences of the women in this study offer information regarding various dimensions of dealing with pregnancy while competing in intercollegiate athletics, which may be used to educate mental health practitioners in the areas of advocacy and clinical efforts supporting pregnant student-athletes.Item A QUALITATIVE EXPLORATION OF LICENSED PROFESSIONAL COUNSELORS’ THERAPEUTIC RELATIONSHIPS WORKING WITH CLIENTS WITH BODY IMAGE CONCERNS(2022-12-01T06:00:00.000Z) Ali, Sehrish Aman; Sullivan, Jeffrey M; Li, Chi-Sing; Henderson, Susan ECounselors working with clients with body image issues might also struggle with body image concerns, and how they manage this struggle within the therapeutic relationship could be a key factor in treatment effectiveness. Exploring and understanding successful counselors’ methods would benefit counselors, clients, and society. The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to explore body image concerns of licensed professional counselors who currently work with clients concerned or diagnosed with body image, disordered eating, and eating disorder symptomology. The theoretical framework comprised feminist psychodynamic theory, which suggests that internalizing culture is part of developing individual perspectives on body image, and objectification theory, indicating how Western beautify standards have led to the objectification and sexualization of thin women. Answering the research question required exploring counselors’ perspectives of how their body image influences the therapeutic relationship with clients who present with body image struggles. Moustakas’s transcendental phenomenology was the approach used to explore the experiences of licensed professional counselors with their body images when working with clients with body image distortions. Data analysis occurred following the seven steps of Moustakas’s modified van Kaam method. Analysis of the data collected from semistructured interviews with 11 participants elicited three significant themes: (a) working with clients who struggle with body image concerns affects counselors’ body image awareness, (b) working with clients who struggle with body image increases counselors’ positive body iv image, and (c) education and supervision are needed to address body image when working with clients with body image concerns. The study has implications for direct therapeutic work for clinicians, counselor educators, and supervisors. Clinical improvement could occur through body image–specific training, continuing education, and supervision in working with the body image of both counselor and client.Item A QUALITATIVE INQUIRY INTO THE LIVED EXPERIENCES OF ABSENT FATHERS: PERSPECTIVES, RATIONALE, FACTORS(2016-11-07) Taylor, Lawrence K.; Henriksen, Richard Jr.; Watts, Richard; Stulmaker, HayleyFather absence is defined as a man who has had no physical interaction with his children and has not provided any form of financial support within 12 consecutive months (Black, 2008). Father absence affects poverty, child health, incarceration, crime, teen pregnancy, child abuse, drug and alcohol abuse, and education (National Fatherhood Initiative, 2011). There is research available on the impact of father absence, but there are few studies that discuss father absence from the perspective of the absent father. The researcher chose to fill a void within the literature and give voice to a population that has been researched, but not studied from their perspective. A phenomenological examination into the lived experiences of absent fathers was investigated to uncover their perspectives. Seven men expressed their feelings, rationales, and justifications regarding their absence. Using Moustakas’s (1994) modification of the Stevick-Colaizzi-Keen (SCK) Method nine themes emerged from the data. To enhance credibility participants conducted member checks of their verbatim transcriptions to ensure accuracy of content. The author found absent fathers’ can formulate a conceptualized definition of what it means to be a father. Although, they have an understanding their comprehension did not yield application. Implications are presented for practitioners to assist absent fathers in overcoming feelings of shame, grief, guilt, and inadequacy. The author created a Model of Reunification for Absent Fathers to serve as a guide for those who wish to assist absent fathers who are motivated to engage in the process of reunification with their children.Item ADVERSE CHILDHOOD EVENTS AND COMPLEX POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER SYMPTOMOLOGY IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE STUDENTS VERSUS NON-CRIMINAL JUSTICE STUDENTS(2023-05-01T05:00:00.000Z) Fauster, Laurel Kathleen; Susan Troncoso Skidmore, PhD; Li, Chi-Sing; Henderson, Susan EAdverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) have been correlated with mental health issues, including Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Complex Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) in police officers after active duty, although research has not focused on symptomology prior to active service. Criminal Justice university majors and non-Criminal Justice majors were surveyed using the ACE questionnaire and the International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ) to measure symptomology of PTSD and CPTSD. No statistically significant relationship was found between choice of major and ACE score, indicating that students pursuing a career in police work did not report more ACEs than other majors. This finding differs from prior research; implicating that aggregate trauma from active police service as well as ACE score may impact PTSD and CPTSD symptomology longitudinally. PTSD and CPTSD symptomology as measured on the ITQ did not differ according to major in college students. A robust correlation was shown between ACEs score on PTSD or CPTSD experiences on the ITQ, which is in keeping with prior research. Individual ACEs were not studied, and future research is needed to ascertain if certain types of ACEs are higher in students seeking a career in police work than those in other disciplines. Data from this study suggests that university students remand with PTSD and CPTSD symptoms across majors.Item Client Spirituality and Counseling: The View of Licensed Professional Counselor Interns in the State of Texas Using Constructivist Grounded Theory(2018-03-27) Behrens, Rosemary D.; Henriksen, Richard C.Spirituality, is a component of the whole being that makes up an individual (ASERVIC, 2009, 2014; Robertson & Young, 2011; Wiggins, 2011). Like sensitivity to multicultural identity, sensitivity to spiritual identity needs to be incorporated into counselor preparation coursework so that the whole person is being attended to in the counseling session. This study is unique in that the focus on counseling and spirituality shifted from the viewpoint of seasoned professionals (Cashwell & Young, 2011; Richards & Bergin, 2005), academic instructors (Frame, 2003; Fukuyama & Sevig, 1999; Miller, 2003), and students under close supervision (Henriksen, et al., 2015, Weiss, 2000; West, 2007) to the experience of professional counselor interns as a rich source of information relating to first hand exposure regarding incorporating client spirituality into the practice of counseling. In this study, utilizing constructivist grounded theory (Charmaz, 2014), I sought to include the voice of licensed professional counselor interns from the state of Texas in the dialogue of counseling and spirituality as they began their professional careers. I surveyed licensed professional counselor interns gathering their responses to demographic and qualitative questions seeking information on their level of comfort, based on their training, with incorporating client spirituality, their level of comfort of addressing client spirituality, and their level of comfort with discussing client spirituality in supervision sessions. The theory revealed by this research was that the willingness of the licensed professional counselor interns to utilize client spirituality in the work of the session was contingent on three factors; (a) their personal experience with their own spirituality, (b) their perceived training in utilizing client spirituality and (c) their comfort level with even discussing spirituality. A deficit in any one of these areas impacted the licensed professional counselor interns’ willingness and perceived ability to address client spirituality in the work of the session. It was further revealed that the comfort level of discussing spirituality was contingent on (a) the licensed professional counselor intern’s faith background, (b) the client’s faith background and (c) comfort with the ethical concerns.Item Conversations about Supervision with Spanish-Speaking, Bilingual Therapists Trained in Collaborative-Dialogic Practices(2021-04-29) Wilkerson, Adriana E. Gil; Li, Chi-SingBilingual therapists are expected to provide competent, culturally sensitive services in two languages, while often only being trained to perform those services in one language. . Their training and supervision should be supportive through the processes of becoming a therapist as well as through mutual processes of sense-making with and about clients’ stories in order to provide a generative, conversational space where clients have possibilities from which to choose. . In the last 15 years there have been numerous studies about Spanish-speaking clients and the socio-cultural considerations taken in application of treatment interventions to address the specific needs of this population (Stein & Guzman, 2015). . In the most current literature about this population, there is an emphasis on cultural diversity among the ethnic groups and the discourses that are specific to each Latino culture (Updegraff & Umaña-Taylor, 2015). . There is also an abundance of literature about supervision of mental health practitioners and standards that are used in gatekeeping the field (Bernard & Goodyear, 2019). . Social constructionist therapists engage in practices of co-creating the world in which we live through language, dialogue, and what is exchanged interpersonally in moments of relating (Anderson, 1997; Gergen, 1994, 2006; McNamee & Gergen, 1999). Through dialogue and conversation with bilingual therapists trained in collaborative practices, I focused on capturing stories and lived experiences surrounding their time in supervision. Each participant discussed how their experiences in supervision created opportunities for learning and growth. They indicated that collaborative-dialogic training provided structures for them to appreciate the importance of the relational aspect of supervision, to note how languages and local knowledge support the formation of those relationships, and they identified curiosity as a stance for advocacy for themselves and their clients.Item COUNSELORS’ EXPERIENCES WITH SUCCESSFULLY INTEGRATING SEXUAL HEALTH INTO CLINICAL PRACTICE: A QUALITATIVE PHENOMENOLOGICAL STUDY(2021-07-19) Vawda, Sana; Sullivan, Jeffery; Bruhn, Rick; Lawson, DavidCounselors have neglected the topic of sexual health in their discussions and work with clients. Despite on-going research and expansion on sexual health topics, counselors continue to report discomfort, lack of knowledge, and low self-efficacy as reasons for why they are reluctant to discuss sexual health. When counselors fail to inquire about or address sexual health topics with clients, comprehensive care could be compromised, and clients might not be receiving the treatment necessary to produce desired outcomes to enhance overall wellbeing. To address this concern, counselors and educators might consider adopting and applying the attitudes and behaviors of counselors who have successfully integrated sexual health into their counseling work with clients. This study expanded upon the work of Sangra (2016) by exploring the experiences of Licensed Professional Counselors (or equivalent) who reported having successful integration of sexual health into their clinical practice as a means to understanding the elements contributing to increased level of comfort, self-efficacy, and ultimately comprehensive care. A qualitative, semi-structured interview was completed with 11 participants. Successful integration of sexual health into clinical practice was demonstrated by four themes: perception of counselor’s role, counselor sexual health self-efficacy, sex-positive attitude, and sexual identity development. Results, discussion, and future recommendations to improve counselor education and training for sexual health topics are included in the study.Item DECREASING BIAS BY CHANGING PERCEPTIONS: A QUASI-EXPERIMENTAL STUDY ADDRESSING PRECONCEPTIONS AMONG SCHOOL COUNSELORS(2022-12-01T06:00:00.000Z) Branch, Tershundrea; Sullivan, Jeffrey M; Simon, Tiffany T; Wines, Lisa AThe Office for Civil Rights has well documented the presence of disparities among Black students in schools as compared to other ethnic/racial groups of students. Although policies have been mandated and implemented in efforts to close gaps between Black students and other ethnic/racial groups of students, disparities continue to exist. As vital members of the leadership team, school counselors need to design and to deliver a Texas comprehensive developmental guidance and counseling program model with the intent of improving student successful outcomes. To date, however, limited data exist regarding effective interventions that can be used to teach school counselors the skills necessary to affect the systematic changes needed in schools. To address this concern, a quasi-experimental study was completed with 39 participants to explore the use of a school counselor multicultural awareness intervention to increase the school counselor’s multicultural self-efficacy and decease the school counselor’s colorblind racial attitude. A within-between groups ANOVA revealed statistically significant interactions for time with the School Counselor Self Efficacy Scale (SCMES) Using Data and Understanding Systematic change, Multicultural Counseling Awareness, and Application of Racial and Cultural Knowledge to Practice subscales. Results, discussion, and future recommendations are included in the study.Item Dogmatism, Locus of Control, Perceived Counselor Self-Efficacy, and the Theoretical Orientation Of Students in a Master's Level Counseling Practicum(2017-04-13) Benesh, Andrew Christopher; Watts, Richard E.; Sullivan, Jeffrey; Henriksen, Jr., RichardPurpose The purpose of this study was to fill a gap in the literature by examining the relationship between dogmatism, locus of control, counselor self-efficacy, and counselor theoretical orientation in a sample of master’s level practicum students. Method A total of 45 master’s practicum students completed a series of four instruments, the DOG Scale, the Internal Control Index, the Counselor Self-Efficacy Scale, and the Theoretical Orientation Profile Scale-Revised. Data were analyzed using quantitative analysis. Cronbach’s alphas were computed to answer the first research question, to determine if the instruments were reliable for the sample. A series of Pearson product-moment correlations were used to answer the second research question. This question addressed whether there were any relationships between dogmatism, locus of control, or perceived counselor self-efficacy. Finally, a MANOVA was conducted to answer research question three. The MANOVA was used to see if there were statistically significant differences in respondents’ levels of dogmatism, locus of control, and perceived counselor self-efficacy based on their theoretical orientation. Results The analyses revealed that the instruments were reliable for the sample. Also the Pearson’s product correlations suggested a large, positive correlation between locus of control and perceived counselor self-efficacy. No other statistically significant relationships were found.Item Encouragement in Counseling and Psychotherapy: The Lived Experiences of Expert Adlerian Therapists(2019-04-17) Hand, Lisa; Watts, Richard E.Encouragement is a foundational aspect of Adlerian theory and therapy, yet there has been no formal research to date designed to discover, specifically, how encouragement is being used in counseling sessions with clients. This study was conducted to fill that identified research gap: to serve as both an introductory exploration into Adlerian encouragement and a foundation to build upon in order to more fully understand this integral part of Adlerian therapy. Specifically, this phenomenological qualitative study was based upon the research question: “What are the lived experiences of Adlerian experts using encouragement in counseling sessions with their clients?” The following eight themes emerged from the data in this study: (a) purpose, (b) qualities, (c) learning, (d) feel or sense it, (e) intentionality and awareness, (f) client change, (g) flexibility and creativity, and (h) encouraging theoretical tenets. The expert participants’ responses to the three grand tour research questions overwhelmingly supported the tenets of Adlerian theory, as well as the conceptualizations of Adlerian encouragement found in the literature. Additionally, the participants’ rich descriptions also provided information that may prove relevant to the teaching, learning, and practice of Adlerian encouragement. Findings from this study provide future Adlerian researchers many opportunities to add to the current research base by duplicating or building upon this study in order to explore and discover more about the definition and the uses of Adlerian encouragement.Item EXAMINING THE PREDICTIVE VALIDITY OF THE MALTREATMENT AND ABUSE CHRONOLOGY OF EXPOSURE SCALE ON INTERNALIZING SYMPTOMS(2018-11-06) Wofford, Elizabeth J.; Bruhn, Rick; Lawson, DavidAlthough childhood maltreatment has been well researched, and there are many assessments of childhood maltreatment, they are fragmented and the Maltreatment and Abuse Chronology of Exposure Scale (MACE) was developed to address this problem, as it captures 10 types of childhood maltreatment along with ages of exposure. Childhood maltreatment, specifically psychological maltreatment, has also been connected to internalizing symptoms of depression and anxiety. This study was developed to examine the predictive validity of the MACE by administering the MACE and a measure of internalizing symptoms, the Depression and Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21), to participants and examining the relationships between the scores on the MACE and the DASS-21. Canonical correlation was used to examine the relationships between the MACE subscales and the DASS-21 categories of Depression, Anxiety, and Stress. Scores on the MACE, especially in categories of emotional abuse and neglect, were significantly related to scores of Stress, Anxiety, and Depression. Additionally, responses to the MACE were broken into three categories of early childhood (1-5), middle childhood (6-12), and late childhood (13-18), to examine which categories of abuse would be the most strongly related to internalizing symptoms. The analyses for middle and late childhood were significant and followed the same pattern, with the scales for emotional abuse and neglect being the strongest related to the symptoms of Stress, Anxiety, and Depression. These results provide support for the accuracy of the MACE in capturing many types of childhood maltreatment and can effectively predict scores of internalizing symptoms, and provide support for the use of the MACE in both research and clinical counseling practice.Item Exploring Self-compassion among Adults with Childhood Trauma and Perfectionism(December 2023) Oeffinger, Jasandra Lourdes; Garza-Chaves, Yvonne; Sullivan, Jeffrey M; Rice, KathleenThe purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to explore the lived experience of self-compassion among adults with childhood trauma and perfectionism. There are few qualitative studies focused on any combinations of childhood trauma, perfectionism, and self-compassion. Additionally, no studies have been conducted to specifically explore how adults with childhood trauma and perfectionism experience, and apply, self-compassion to their lives. Five adult participants who endorsed four or more items on the ACE-Q (Felitti et al., 1998) and scored 42 or higher on both the High Standards and Discrepancy subscales on the APS-R (Slaney et al., 2001) completed a demographic questionnaire and semi-structured interview, which were transcribed and analyzed for themes. Results of the thematic analysis identified five main themes: (a) relating to self, (b) nature of the process, (c) impact of ACEs, (d) learning through relationships, and (e) navigating expectations and standards. Six subthemes were included: (a) self-kindness, (b) hard on myself, (c) unfamiliarity, (d) still working on it, (e) internalized experiences, (f) disconnection, (g) connection and support, (h) different perspectives, (i) perfectionism as a coping mechanism, and (j) accepting limits.Item EXPLORING THE MEDIATING EFFECTS BETWEEN COUNSELOR SELF-EFFICACY, CAREER SUSTAINING BEHAVIORS, PERCEIVED WELLNESS, AND BURNOUT AMONG NOVICE COUNSELORS: TESTING TWO PROPOSED MEDIATION MODELS(2019-04-17) Ellis, Dustin Shane; Sullivan, JeffreyPurpose The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationships among counselors’ implementation of career-sustaining behaviors, counselor self-efficacy, and counselor wellness and burnout among novice counselors. I used a mediation model to examine the ways career sustaining behaviors and self-efficacy could predict wellness and burnout. In addition, I analyzed the relationship between the three dimensions of burnout and wellness. Finally, I analyzed the extent to which career sustaining behaviors and self-efficacy mediate the relationship between the three dimensions of burnout and wellness. Methodology In order to measure counselors’ implementation of career sustaining behaviors, self-efficacy, wellness, and burnout, I surveyed practicing novice professional counselors using the Career Sustaining Behaviors Questionnaire, Counselor Self-Estimate Inventory, Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey, and Five Factor Wellness Inventory. I used snowball and convenience sampling to recruit participants and gathered 67 useable responses. I first analyzed the responses using multiple regression to assess the relationship between burnout and wellness. I then examined the mediation models by calculating the confidence intervals for the indirect effect using bootstrap methods. Findings The results of the regression analysis indicated that the three dimensions of burnout predicted wellness with a large effect size, with 34.1% of the variance of wellness being accounted for by the three dimensions of burnout. The analysis of the mediation models revealed that counselor self-efficacy did not mediate the relationship between career sustaining behaviors and wellness or burnout. Because the hypothesized models did not display good fit, a new theoretically-sound model and research question were developed. After creating and analyzing the post hoc model, I concluded that the relationships between each of the three dimensions of burnout and counselor wellness was partially mediated by counselor self-efficacy and counselors’ implementation of career sustaining behaviors.Item Factors contributing to academic resilience of former homeless high school students: A phenomenological study(2017-04-19) Hart, Linda M.; Nichter, Mary S.; Sullivan, Jeffrey M.; Li, Chi-SIngHomelessness is an increasing epidemic afflicting the United States. Of the millions of homeless in the United States, over two million are children (National Alliance to End Homelessness, 2009; Slesnick, Dashora, Letcher, Erden, & Serocivh, 2009). It is reported that over 1.2 million of homeless students are enrolled in public schools (National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth, 2014). Researchers have demonstrated that homeless students score significantly lower than normally housed students (Buckner, 2008; Hendricks & Barkley, 2011, & Obradović, et al., 2009), and homeless students are at risk of developmental delays at a rate of four times their peers (Holgersson-Shorter, 2010). Despite the overwhelming odds against them, some homeless students are personally resilient and thrive in the face of adversity, achieving academic excellence, resulting in academic resilience. Theoretical framework for my phenomenological study included the self-efficay (Bandura, 1977, 1987, & 1989) and self-determination theories. Participants in my study were identified as homeless while attending high school, achieved academic resilience, and they are all currently attending universities. My study focused on motivating factors contributing to academic resilience in my participants. Interviews and sandtray therapy sessions were conducted, resulting in five emerging themes from the transcripts and photos of the processed sandtrays; (a) isolation, (b) confusion, (c) faith, (d) determination, and (e) academic achievement. Although the homeless population faces many challenges, homeless youth face additionally challenges, including poor academic achievement (Toro, Dworksky, & Fowler, 2007; Hardy, 2009). The participants in my study overcame the obstacles due to the emerging resiliency and motivating factors. Vast research conducted on homelessness was concerning challenges and low academic achievement among the population. The lack of research concerning high achieving homeless students limited the ability to provide a deeper understanding of the phenomenon. Each of my participants went unidentified as homeless until their senior year of high school. It is imperative that school officials; including teachers, school counselors, administrators, and district personnel be more efficient in identifying homeless students. An in-depth study of homeless high school students may reveal necessary implications for school officials regarding the needs and identification factors of homeless students.Item Intimate Partner Violence and Help Seeking Behavior(2017-07-05) Lewis, Shana D.; Watts, Richard E.; Henrikson, Richard E.Intimate partner violence is a growing epidemic in our country. Statistics indicate that an estimated 47.1% of women experienced at least one act of psychological aggression by an intimate partner during their lifetime (Breiding et al., 2014); that is, almost half of women experience some form of violence in their lifetime. Furthermore, women 18-24 and 25-34 are the number one and two (respectively) most vulnerable age groups to this kind of relationship violence. These statistics highlight the need to understand women’s experience of intimate partner violence as well as her help seeking behavior. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to give voice to the experiences of survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) and explore their help seeking behavior. I specifically considered the help seeking behavior of the 18-24 and 25-34 year old woman. In addition to seeking to understand each group separately, I also compared the two groups to one another to uncover similarities or differences in their help seeking behaviors that were mitigated by age. This study used the transcendental-phenomenological approach to qualitative research to give survivors of IPV the opportunity to speak about their experiences of help seeking behavior. The emergent themes in this study were divided into two categories: Internal Factors and External Factors. External Factor themes included: The Situation and Awareness of Resources with the subthemes of Formal Supports, Informal Supports, and Not Worth the Risk: Protective Measures. The Internal Factors include Classification/Label, Looking Back, and Blame with the subthemes Self Blame and Other Blame.Item “LA QUE SUFRE, LUCHA; Y LA QUE LUCHA, ¡VENCE!” A TRANSCENDENTAL PHENOMENOLOGICAL STUDY OF THE LIVED EXPERIENCES OF MEXICAN AMERICAN WOMEN PURSUING A DOCTORATE IN TEXAS(2022-12-01T06:00:00.000Z) Hernandez, Selina Ann; Garza-Chaves, Yvonne; Li, Chi-Sing; Fitzgerald, Evelyne KThis transcendental phenomenological study will explore the lived experiences of Southern Texas Mexican American/Chicana women pursuing a doctorate. The Chicana’s experience achieving a doctorate has been overlooked by the literature, with much of the research on Mexican American women being outdated or focusing on completing high school or getting a bachelor’s degree. In Texas, literature has found that Mexican American women receive slightly more doctoral-level education than males. Although in Texas, they may excel a tad more than males, many Chicanas do not reach their full potential. Mexican American women continue to be underrepresented and the least educated in the United States. Often Mexican American women find it difficult to reconcile the discrepancy between the culture, familial expectations and roles, and their ambitions. As a result, this research explores Mexican American females’ lived experiences pursuing a doctorate to discover motivators and challenges in their academic journeys. Additionally, this study will provide a more in-depth understanding of their educational experience. A Chicana feminist and symbolic interactionism theoretical framework will guide this research.Item LIVED EXPERIENCES OF GAY BLACK CISGENDER MEN VICARIOUSLY EXPOSED TO THE ORLANDO SHOOTING(2023-08-01T05:00:00.000Z) Smith, Justyn; Garza-Chaves, Yvonne; Sullivan, Jeffrey M; Cofield, DemetriusThe purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe the lived experiences of gay Black cisgender men who were vicariously exposed to the 2016 Orlando Pulse nightclub shooting. Minority stress theory was the theoretical framework to ground this research study. This theory and lens was used to better understand the position of being a minority in society and the associated stress at the intersection community violence and identity. The study included 11 participants that identified as gay Black cisgender men using a combination of purposeful and snowball sampling. A demographic questionnaire was administered to gain background information about the participants in the study and a semi-structured interview protocol was used to gain qualitative data. Participants answered 11 demographic questions and 19 open ended questions. Three major themes emerged from the data: identity development, impact of media and post traumatic coping. Future research was suggested to explore the intersection of vicarious exposure to community violence and all identities within the LGBTQ community. The researcher made implications of the research to counseling and counselors in training.Item MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS IN THE BLACK CHURCH: EXPERIENCE OF THE CLERGY(2020-06-22) Ross, Andrea T. J.; Henriksen, RichardAccording to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2020), suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States. Researchers have demonstrated the impact of the Black Church on Blacks’ health behavior (Lumpkins et al., 2013; Aten, Topping, Denney, & Bayne, 2010; Williams, Gorman, & Hankerson, 2014). I completed a transcendental phenomenological qualitative study (Moustakas, 1994) to describe the experiences of twelve (8 male and 4 female) clergy of the Black Church responding to mental health crises of their congregants. Each participant completed a demographic questionnaire and a semi-structured interview to describe their experience with crisis and suicide among members in their congregation. I analyzed the data using the Van Kaam method (Moustakas, 1994) through the lens of critical race theory (Delagado & Stefancic, 2013) and symbolic interactionism (Vejar, 2015). I identified six major themes with subthemes from the interviews: (a) a definition of crisis (b) cultural expectations around mental health, (b) causes of mental health crisis, (c) clergy response, (d) barriers to responding, and (e) identified needs. The common factor was community or the sense of connection with others through common attitudes, interests, and goals. Some of the implications for practice were (a) Black clergy, faith-based organizations, and counselors could partner and focus on crisis and suicide interventions through community-based education; (b) counselors could partner with clergy to offer services within their church to include counseling services and psychoeducational groups or trainings; and (c) counselor educators could provide increased opportunities for training focused on v spirituality in counseling and collaborative treatment with religious and spiritual leaders in the Black community. As Blacks have been socialized not to seek counseling, an increased presence of professional counselors in the Black community may increase helpseeking behaviors through relationships and interactions which creates socialization (Vejar, 2015).
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