Walden University

About: Walden University is a education organization based out in Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Public health. The organization has 3200 authors who have published 3707 publications receiving 55313 citations.

Attitudes of Southern Baptist Pastors Toward Professional Counseling

Abstract: Attitudes of Southern Baptist Pastors Toward Professional Counseling by Stanley Paul Vespie M.S., Walden University, 2007 B.A., Carson-Newman College, 1981 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Psychology Walden University November 2010 ABSTRACT While clergy are at the forefront of providing mental health counseling services, many lack confidence in their ability to provide adequate care for those suffering mental health issues and many, across denominations, question the validity and reliability of mental health counseling and are reluctant to make referrals to professional counselors. ThereWhile clergy are at the forefront of providing mental health counseling services, many lack confidence in their ability to provide adequate care for those suffering mental health issues and many, across denominations, question the validity and reliability of mental health counseling and are reluctant to make referrals to professional counselors. There remains a gap in the current research literature regarding the views of Southern Baptist pastors. Using conflict theory as the framework for this study, the purpose of this exploratory quantitative study was to determine how 225 Southern Baptist pastors‘ conservative views, church size, and educational level (the independent variables) impacted their attitude towards counseling (the dependent variable). Data were collected using the Religious Attitude Scale and the Attitude Toward Seeking Professional Help Scale. A three-way ANOVA was performed to measure interaction effects among the independent variables. The results of this research indicated that a pastor's level of education and conservative views, but not church size, had an impact on attitudes about counseling. While future research could better inform the kinds of education that influence counseling referrals from pastors, this research supports the idea that more educated pastors are more likely to use diverse resources for addressing congregants‘ issues of mental wellness. The results of this research can influence social change because Christians needing mental health counseling often go to their pastor for help. Providing further education to pastors about the benefits of professional counseling will result in improved mental health for those congregants and their families. Attitudes of Southern Baptist Pastors Toward Professional Counseling

Collegiate dating violence: A quantitative analysis of attachment style and help -seeking behavior by gender and sexual orientation

Abstract: Collegiate Dating Violence: A Quantitative Analysis of Attachment Style and HelpSeeking Behavior by Gender and Sexual Orientation by Kathleen Elizabeth Kline M.S.SA., Case Western Reserve University, 1982 B.A., Alderson-Broaddus College, 1980 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Clinical Psychology Walden University November 2009

Obesity Among Women in Rural Kenya: Knowledge, Beliefs, and Perceptions

Abstract: Obesity Among Women in Rural Kenya: Knowledge, Beliefs, and Perceptions by Ann Mugo Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Public Health Walden University February 2016 Abstract Obesity or being overweight is a prevalent health concern around the world. Despite the growing problem in developing countries such as Kenya, there is scant literature available on obesity or being overweight among women in rural Kenya. This research study provides information necessary for bridging the gap in understanding the perceptions, beliefs, and knowledge of obesity among women in rural Kenya. This study used the social cognitive theory (SCT) framework to assist in understanding the impact of obesity or being overweight among women living in rural Kenya. Participants were women aged 20 to 45 recruited from a local church in rural Subukia. Using a phenomenological inquiry, in-depth interviews were conducted. Data obtained were analyzed by open coding. Themes that emerged from data analysis showed that less than half of the study participants had an appropriate knowledge of obesity. Participants desired to have big round bodies, as it was perceived as desirable and as being healthy. However, this perception put these women at increased risk of obesity and associated health risks. Implications for positive social change include the use of study findings by policy makers to develop obesity prevention programs. Such programs may promote obesity awareness and obesity prevention strategies. This promotion may include providing education on topics such as healthy nutrition and the importance of physical activity. Policy makers may develop obesity prevention programs aimed at not only educating, but also empowering rural communities to practice healthy lifestyles based on their cultural and social norms. Such empowerment may encourage the adoption of obesity reducing lifestyles and positive behavior change.Obesity or being overweight is a prevalent health concern around the world. Despite the growing problem in developing countries such as Kenya, there is scant literature available on obesity or being overweight among women in rural Kenya. This research study provides information necessary for bridging the gap in understanding the perceptions, beliefs, and knowledge of obesity among women in rural Kenya. This study used the social cognitive theory (SCT) framework to assist in understanding the impact of obesity or being overweight among women living in rural Kenya. Participants were women aged 20 to 45 recruited from a local church in rural Subukia. Using a phenomenological inquiry, in-depth interviews were conducted. Data obtained were analyzed by open coding. Themes that emerged from data analysis showed that less than half of the study participants had an appropriate knowledge of obesity. Participants desired to have big round bodies, as it was perceived as desirable and as being healthy. However, this perception put these women at increased risk of obesity and associated health risks. Implications for positive social change include the use of study findings by policy makers to develop obesity prevention programs. Such programs may promote obesity awareness and obesity prevention strategies. This promotion may include providing education on topics such as healthy nutrition and the importance of physical activity. Policy makers may develop obesity prevention programs aimed at not only educating, but also empowering rural communities to practice healthy lifestyles based on their cultural and social norms. Such empowerment may encourage the adoption of obesity reducing lifestyles and positive behavior change. Obesity Among Women in Rural Kenya: Knowledge, Beliefs, and Perceptions by Ann Mugo Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Public Health Walden University February 2016 Dedication This study is dedicated to my loving husband, Dr. Sikahala, who has always been there for me in good times and in hard times. My husband has been supportive and always encouraged me to push on throughout this dissertation process. I dedicate this to my beautiful daughter, Caroline Wanjiku who is and always will be my inspiration. I hope you follow the same path as mommy and daddy. Finally, I dedicate this to my loving parents, who always taught me to leap high no matter what, as the sky is the limit. THANK YOU ALL! Acknowledgments I want to thank each and every one who made it possible for me to complete this dissertation. I especially wish to thank Dr. Cynthia Tworek, my dissertation chair, and Dr. Aimee Ferraro, my dissertation committee member. You both always provided support, guidance, and pointed me in the right direction. You were both patient with me and were always there for me when I needed help. I would not have done it without your expertise and guidance. I wish to thank Dr. Suzanne Richins, my URR. Your quick review and turnaround of the dissertation is greatly appreciated. I could never have asked for a better dissertation committee. I would also like to thank my husband, Dr. C. Sikahala for always being there for me when I almost gave up. Thank you so much for everything dear!

Association for Humanistic Counseling: The Heart and Conscience of the Counseling Profession

Abstract: The history of the Association for Humanistic Counseling (AHC) can be traced back to 1931. Organization members documented the early development of the division and progress until the early 1980s in previous publications. In this article, AHC's dynamic history since the mid-1980s is illustrated. The humanistic perspective of the division as well as its creed, leadership history, membership, publications, governance structure, and future directions are discussed. ********** The Association for Humanistic Counseling (AHC) originated as a collaborative effort to respond to the needs of society (e.g., supporting the women's movement, civil rights, and social justice platform, which are discussed further in the Activism section). A long history of division involvement and metamorphoses has since transpired as the division evolved in relation to social changes (A. S. McGowan, personal communication, September 1, 2008). AHC members documented much of the division's progress from 1931 to the early 1980s (Sheeley, 1975; E. S. Wilson & Robinson, 1985). However, advancements made since the mid-1980s have gone unrecognized. The purpose of this article is to document the division's forward movement since the 1980s, including the timeline of leadership changes, membership trends, contributions to the professional literature, and future directions. AHC began in 1931 with the organization named the Teachers College Personnel Association (TCPA; Sheeley, 1975). In 1946, the organization's name changed to the Personnel Section of the American Association of Teachers Colleges. A few years later, in 1951, the name was updated to the Student Personnel Association for Teacher Education (SPATE; Allen, 1962). A year later, in 1952, SPATE collaborated with three other organizations to establish the American Personnel and Guidance Association, which was later renamed the American Association for Counseling and Development (AACD), and then renamed the American Counseling Association (ACA; Kaplan, 2002). SPATE remained one of the four founding divisions of ACA. While a division of ACA, the organization changed names three additional times. The first change occurred in 1974, to become the Association for Humanistic Education and Development (AHEAD); the second change occurred in 1998, to become the Counseling Association for Humanistic Education and Development (C-AHEAD); and the third change occurred in 2010, to become the Association for Humanistic Counseling (AHC). AHC FOUNDATIONS: HUMANISTIC PERSPECTIVE, COUNSELING, CREED, AND PURPOSES AHC considers itself the heart and conscience of the counseling profession (C-AHEAD, 2008b). Division leaders strive to stay on the forefront of critical issues affecting human beings, in general, and clients served, in particular (A. S. McGowan, personal communication, September 1, 2008). AHC members call attention to important issues in society and the counseling profession. As a division, members work to act as a buffer and defense against social injustices, and members hold fast to the belief that all persons are entitled to intrinsic respect. The division's stance on important issues has been a catalyst for change within society and the profession. AHC's humanistic perspective, counseling focus, creed, and purposes demarcate the division's path. The liberal and progressive perspective of humanism has remained a constant core of the division since its original creation (A. S. McGowan, personal communication, September 1, 2008). Humanism is the central aspect that inspired the creed and purposes and focuses the activism of the division. Humanism Humanism, as a philosophy guiding counseling and education practices, may be understood as having many diverse elements (Hansen, 2006; J. T. Hansen, personal communication, May 4, 2009). The principle uniting these diverse elements is the idea that humans are irreducible to other phenomena (Davidson, 2000). …

The Relationship of Self-Care to Burnout Among Social Workers in Health Care Settings

Abstract: The Relationship of Self-Care to Burnout Among Social Workers in Health Care Settings by Jennifer D. Weekes MS, Virginia Commonwealth University, 2002 BS, Virginia Commonwealth University, 2001 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Public Health