2018 Theses and Dissertations
Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/11274/13276
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Browsing 2018 Theses and Dissertations by Author "Armstrong, Joyce"
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Item A content analysis of 10 scholarly journals from 2007-2017: What has been written about long term African American married couples(12/20/2018) Chism-Nicholas, Edna; Armstrong, Joyce; Gillum, NerissaThe purpose of this study was to examine what has been written about long term African American marriages in 10 selected scholarly journals. Marriages greatly impact multiple domains and relationships in the African American community. There is a multitude of marital research in many social science fields. However, there is a lack of literature as it specifically relates to African American long-term couples. Due to the lack of literature in this field it would benefit social science professionals, especially family therapists, to learn more about these relationships. In this study the researcher utilized a quantitative and qualitative approach to explore the literature, identifying themes found in the journal articles. The major themes discovered were Spirituality, Cultural issues, Equity, and Family. The Journal of Black Studies had the largest number of articles on the topic with 4 of 3,877 (0.00103%) articles being relevant to the research topic. Recommendations for future research were suggested.Item A qualitative study: African Americans' perceptions of family therapy and treatment(5/30/2018) Billingsley, Dauphine L; Armstrong, Joyce; Brock, Linda J.; Norton, Aaron, Ph. D., LMFTThe purpose of this qualitative study was to examine and explore African Americans’ perception of family therapy and treatment as it pertains to key barriers of service utilization. Specifically, the study examined the role that culture plays on the lack of service utilization as well as how cultural factors shape the attitudes and beliefs of African Americans regarding mental health, family therapy and treatment. In addition, this study was designed to link historical and present day ecological systems that continue to impact the African American community. Three separate focus groups were utilized to explore the research question that guided this study: How do African Americans perceive family therapy and treatment? 18 African Americans, 25 years of age and older discussed their perceptions, attitudes and beliefs regarding family therapy and treatment. Focus groups were audio recorded and transcribed for analysis. Six themes emerged; cultural understanding, cultural barriers, cause of mental strain, coping mechanisms, cultural support, and cultural communication. Findings support previous research that highlight the uniqueness of African Americans and the important role that culture plays on treatment seeking behaviors. Suggestions for overcoming barriers and future research are discussed.Item Factors contributing to science self-efficacy in an early college high school setting(6/20/2018) O'Connor, Bennett I.; Moore, Lin; Armstrong, Joyce; Hwang, Shann Hwa; Brown, MelissaScience self-efficacy is critical to the achievement and participation of students in science. The purpose of this study was to explore the factors (age, attitudes towards math, school climate, school rigorous expectations, and the number of advanced math and science courses taken) contributing to science self-efficacy in an Early College High School setting. The sample consisted of 113 students from three Early College High Schools in North Texas. The tools used were the Science Self Efficacy Questionnaire (SSEQ), Attitudes Towards Math Inventory (ATMI), Panorama Student Survey Scales About the School—School Climate and Rigorous Expectation subscales, and a demographic questionnaire. Correlation analyses revealed a significant positive correlation between Science Self-Efficacy total scores and School Climate total scores. Moreover, higher ATMI total scores and School Climate total scores significantly predicted higher Science-Self Efficacy total scores.Item Financial literacy: Are young adults well equipped to face the current economic world?(1/7/2019) Ramoni, Francisca A; Armstrong, JoyceABSTRACT FRANCISCA A. RAMONI FINANCIAL LITERACY: ARE YOUNG ADULTS WELL EQUIPPED TO FACE THE CURRENT ECONOMIC WORLD? DECEMBER 2018 Previous studies focused on college students and the misuse of credit cards. This study focused on the importance of financial literacy to the well-being of young adults. This study examined the overall financial literacy of young adults using quantitative data from a diverse sample. The sample of 150 young adults was obtained from four faith-based churches in the Dallas Fort Worth Metropolitan area. The population group was limited to 18-25 years of age, who had just finished (a) high school and entering college or attending college, (b) never married, and (c) no dependents. The data were collected using a financial literacy questionnaire. Specifically, the study examined financial knowledge, financial influences, financial attitudes, and financial behaviors as compared by gender and income. Social learning theory, theory of consumer socialization and financial socialization were used to explore this study. The study utilized two instruments a comprehensive questionnaire from the Organization for Economic Co-Operation and only one section of the College Students’ Financial Literacy Survey (CSFLS). The Young Adult Financial Literacy Questionnaire is inclusive of two survey instruments which was organized by the researcher and included Development/International Network on Financial Education (OECD/INFE) questionnaire was designed to measure financial behavior, knowledge, and attitudes, while the College Students’ Financial Literacy Survey (CSFLS) was designed to measure the influences that may affect young adults’ financial literacy. The findings of this study found no significant differences between attitudes and behaviors as compared by gender and income. However, the study found micro-level influences of financial knowledge, parental influence, financial documents, and financial goals specifically with gender. Females were more likely to have a higher financial knowledge while males were more likely to have a budget. Females were more likely to have higher financial knowledge while males were more likely to have a budget. Both females and males reported that they kept receipts/copies of financial documents such as major purchases, minor purchases, bank statements, housing, rent or mortgage payments and tax records. The results of the study provided recommendations about promoting financial literacy by parents, educators, policymakers, and financial professionals.Item Let me give you a hand: A phenomenological study of women entrepreneurs, financial competency, and mentorship(6/25/2018) Neupane, Shilu; Whitworth, Jerry, Ed. D.; Armstrong, Joyce; Hwang, Shann Hwa; Gillum, Nerissa LeBlancThis study addressed the issue of mentorship need for women entrepreneurs in the beginning phase of their businesses. Texas ranks among the 10 fastest growing states for women-owned businesses (63%); however, there is a lack of mentorship programs tailored to meet the need of this growing population. According to one of the Kauffman study, nearly 50% of women entrepreneurs stated the lack of mentorship as a hindrance for them to reach to their entrepreneurial potential (Fetsch, 2015). The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of women entrepreneurs receiving mentorship towards entrepreneurial success. A qualitative approach was used to gather data by interviewing 11 business owners who were receiving or had received any kind of help in the areas of training, funding, coaching and networking opportunities from any organizations in Texas Dallas Fort worth (DFW) area that support women entrepreneurs. Three concepts were emerged out of this study: (a) entrepreneurship as a career, (b) mentorship as a resource, and (c) satisfaction, which were revolved around two overarching themes: (a) resilience of women in business, and (b) importance of mentorship. This study suggested the meaningfulness of mentoring to women entrepreneurs at personal level than utilizing mentorship organizations especially during the first three years. This study might be useful for understanding the implication of mentorship to women entrepreneurs, to enhance their financial skills, and to empower them towards financial independency that will bring positive growth not only in women entrepreneurship but also in family outcomes.Item Marital perceptions of African Americans: A qualitative study on the effectiveness of organizational religion in sustaining healthy marriages(4/4/2018) Dunn, Pamela J.; Armstrong, Joyce; Hwang, Shann Hwa; Moore, LinThe purpose of this study was to explore if, how, and why organizational religion helped African American couples sustain healthy marriages. The study explored a strength-based approach enhancing the strengths and characteristics already present within African American individuals, families, and their communities. This qualitative study was conducted using a phenomenological approach relating to participants lived and human experiences. The research objectives were to explore (1) perceptions that African American Christian couples have about organizational religion helping them to achieve and sustain healthy marriages and (2) perceptions that religious leaders in the church have about organizational religion helping African American Christian couples achieve and sustain healthy marriages. A total of 22 individuals participated in this study. Eighteen participants were married couples and four participants were church leader/administrators. All participants were African American males and females residing in the Dallas/Fort Worth area of the state of Texas in the United States. Of the nine couples interviewed, all participants reported being married, identifying as Christian, and having a religious affiliation (N=18). All participants also reported being active members of their local church attending church services at least once a week. Data were collected from small group interviews, individual interviews, and church leader/administrative interviews. The interviews were audiotaped, transcribed, and analyzed to determine emerging themes. Church artifacts were examined to gauge educational programs offered to its church members. Participation in events sponsored by the church’s Marriage Ministry were surveyed to determine participants involvement in these activities. Themes were determined from small group, individual, and church leader/administrative interviews collectively. Themes from small group interviews included (a) relationship, (b) rigid practices, (c) connection to a higher deity, (d) personal growth/togetherness, (e) church as a support for marriage and (f) balancing church and family dynamics. Themes from individual interviews included (a) model for healthy marriages, (b) teaching, (c) support for married couples, (d) encourages relational bonding, (e) proactive relationship, (f) challenges, and (g) intimacy. Themes from church leader/administrative interviews included (a) marital stability, (b) purposeful approach to the marriage, (c) motivation for ministry, (d) overextension, (e) positive interrelations, and (f) positive reinforcements. Three supporting themes in favor of marital support for couples were identified from church artifacts: (a) teaching, (b) enrichment, and (c) personal growth. Of the comprehensive themes determined, three overarching themes were determined indicative of organizational religion and marital perceptions of African Americans: (1) teaching, (2) modeling, and (3) supporting.Item Perceptions and processes of successful aging among African American men 60 and older: A focus group study(6/20/2018) Ford, Terri O'Neal; Armstrong, Joyce; Hwang, Shann Hwa; Gillum, Nerissa L.The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the perceptions and processes of successful aging among African American men 60 and older. This qualitative designed research provided African American men the opportunity to add to the existing aging literature about what successful aging means to them. Stage eight of Erik Erikson’s human development theory along with the selective optimization compensation model of successful aging provide the theoretical lens that framed this research investigation. Fifteen participants from the North Texas area shared their perceptions and processes of aging through their responses to (a) demographic questionnaire, (b) focus group sessions (“FG” or “Focus Group”) and (c) follow-up interviews (“FI”). Participants were between the ages of 60 to 81 years and showed a positive attitude towards growing older and believed they were aging successfully. Through the data collected the following themes emerged from the focus group discussions: (1) Independence, (2) Valuing Family, (3) Spirituality, (4) Community Involvement, and (5) Acceptance of the Aging Process. The one major, overarching, theme that emerged from the individual interviews was Making the Right Choices. Themes that re-emerged from the focus group session during the individual interviews were (1) Independence, (2) Community Involvement, (3) Valuing Family, and (4) Spirituality.Item Perceptions of fatherhood amongst African American fathers raised fatherless(3/28/2019) Hunter, Jade J; Petty, Karen; Armstrong, Joyce; Hwang, Shann Hwa; Brock, Linda J.JADE HUNTER PERCEPTIONS OF FATHERHOOD AMONGST AFRICAN AMERICAN FATHERS RAISED FATHERLESS DECEMBER 2018 The purpose of this qualitative study was to take a phenomenological approach to explore the perceptions of African American fathers who were raised fatherless. Role theory and Identity Theory were` used to guide this study. The study explored the following research question: How do African American fathers raised fatherless perceive fatherhood. Ten semi-structured interviews were conducted with men who self- identified as being raised as fatherless in the DFW area. Data obtained from this study were transcribed verbatim and analyzed through a three-step coding process that included: open, axial and selective coding. Triangulation of data analysis was used to ensure credibility. Four themes emerged from the data and included: (1) Being Present; (2) Ideal Dad; (3) Teaching; and (4) Spirituality. It also yielded three subthemes: (1) Interactive Engagement; (2), Warmth and Responsiveness; and (3) Restless journey. Results of the study were compared to existing literature and conclusions were drawn. Study implications for future research, implications for family therapists, limitations and disadvantages, and strengths of the study were all presented.