The National University System Repository exists to increase public access to research and other materials created by students and faculty of the affiliate institutions of National University System. Most items in the repository are open access, freely available to everyone.
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Item Examining the Impact of Moral Injury on Relationship Satisfaction and Intimacy in Combat Veterans(2026-03)The purpose of this quantitative cross-sectional study was to examine the impact of moral injury on relationship satisfaction and intimacy in combat veterans. Attachment theory served as the foundational theoretical framework in understanding moral injury as it relates to combat veteran relational dynamics. Three research questions were designed to examine whether moral injury severity was associated with relationship satisfaction and/or intimacy and explored the association between satisfaction and intimacy when accounting for moral injury. Participants included 81 combat veterans currently in an intimate partner relationship. Participants completed self-report measures including the Expressions of Moral Injury Scale-Military Version (EMIS-M), Couples Satisfaction Inventory (CSI), and Personal Assessment of Intimacy in Relationships (PAIR). Multivariate and univariate regression analyses were conducted to evaluate the relationships between moral injury and relational outcomes. Pearson zero-order and partial correlations were used to examine the association between relationship satisfaction and intimacy while controlling for moral injury. Missing data were managed using multiple imputation procedures. Results indicated that moral injury severity was not significantly associated with relationship satisfaction. Greater moral injury severity was significantly associated with lower reported intimacy. Relationship satisfaction and intimacy remained positively and significantly related even when accounting for moral injury severity. These findings suggest that moral injury may impede emotional closeness without necessarily undermining perceived relationship satisfaction. Conclusions from this study highlight the importance of distinguishing between relationship satisfaction and intimacy when considering relational outcomes associated with moral injury. Findings support attachment-informed conceptualizations of moral injury as a relational concept and emphasize intimacy as a critical focal point for clinical intervention. Implications for practice include the use of attachment-informed, systemic treatment approaches. Recommendations for future research include longitudinal studies with dyadic reporting to further examine relational dynamics impacted by moral injury.Item An Exploratory Examination of UTAUT Factors Associated with Mobile Health Services Adoption Among Purposively Selected Healthcare Provider Decision-Makers in the United States(2026-03)This study examined the factors associated with healthcare provider decision makers’ intentions to adopt Mobile Health Services in the United States. Although mobile health technologies can support access, communication, and patient engagement, adoption across healthcare organizations remains uneven. This situation reflects a limited understanding of the factors associated with decisions made by individuals responsible for evaluating and approving new technologies. The purpose of the study was to determine the extent to which constructs from the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology are associated with the adoption of mobile health services. The researcher sought to provide context specific insights into how these constructs manifest in organizational environments and how these relationships may inform theoretical understanding of technology adoption in healthcare settings. A non experimental quantitative correlational design was used. Participants were healthcare provider decision makers working in information technology roles across the United States. A purposive sampling approach was applied to recruit individuals who met predefined criteria. Data were collected through a self-administered online questionnaire, and descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and hierarchical multiple regression were used to examine associations among variables. The results indicated that Self concept showed the strongest association with behavioral intention, followed by social influence, effort expectancy, and performance expectancy. Facilitating conditions and behavioral intention were both associated with mobile health services adoption. Future researchers may use random sampling to expand generalizability and may incorporate longitudinal or qualitative approaches to deepen understanding of decision-making processes.Item Conceptualizing Loneliness in Later Life Through a Biopsychosocial Lens(2026-02-20)Loneliness among older adults represents a growing public health concern with complex psychological, social, and biological needs. Loneliness is associated with an increased risk of mental health concern, cognitive decline, and physical health deterioration, making it a critical issue among aging populations. Despite a growing body of research, there remains no universally accepted model, definition, or measurement framework for loneliness. Current interventions which typically focus on objective isolation and social elements of loneliness have demonstrated mixed and frequently inconclusive results, suggesting that such approaches may inadequately address all dimensions of loneliness. This capstone investigates how loneliness can be conceptualized through the biopsychosocial model to more comprehensively capture the multifaceted factors that influence the experience of loneliness among older adults. Biological, psychological, and social dimensions are examined, with particular attention to how these dimensions interact to reinforce and sustain cycles of loneliness. Ethical and intersectional considerations are also explored, emphasizing the need for culturally responsive and competent research and practice that respect different experiences of aging and loneliness. The themes explored suggest that addressing loneliness effectively requires holistic approaches that address all dimensions of loneliness and incorporate policy, community, and clinical perspectives to do so. Finally, this paper proposes pathways for advancing research, policy and clinical practice to more effectively address the multidimensional nature of loneliness among older adults.Item The Postpartum Period and Its Impact on an Individuals Sexuality(2025-09-30)Postpartum sexuality refers to the sexual health and experiences of individuals following childbirth, including physical, emotional, and relational changes that may affect sexual desire, function, and satisfaction. Research on postpartum sexuality is limited, despite its importance for overall well-being. In addition to physical and psychological changes, postpartum sexuality is often shaped by an individual's location, cultural background, social norms, or religious beliefs. In many cases, traditional rituals outline the appropriate timing of sexual intercourse, sometimes disregarding the needs and readiness of the individual. Social media can serve as both a source of support and a reinforcement of harmful societal expectations. It can offer connection, community, and shared experiences, but it can also perpetuate unrealistic expectations and pressures related to sexual recovery and body image. Understanding postpartum sexuality is crucial for individuals, couples, and healthcare providers or counsellors. As noted above, the postpartum period may significantly impact an individual's self-concept, as well as their emotional and physical well-being. Individuals may have shifts in their sexual desire, identity, and physical functioning, which can influence their interest or ability to connect with themselves or others. For couples, the postpartum period always brings many changes to their daily life, including a lack of sleep and increased responsibilities. These adjustments, sometimes combined with shifts in communication, often influence a couple’s relationship satisfaction and emotional closeness. Healthcare providers have an opportunity to offer individuals and couples the support and information they need to understand the impacts of birth and postpartum on the individual’s body and mind.Item In Their Own Voices: A Phenomenological Study of Chronic Absenteeism of First Nations Students in Alberta(2025)The prevalence of chronic absenteeism—defined as missing 10% or more school days in an academic year—can significantly impact students' future well-being (Alberta Government, 2015). Chronic school absenteeism is particularly pronounced among First Nations students, potentially exacerbating unique challenges, such as historical and ongoing systemic inequities, cultural disconnection, socioeconomic difficulties, and inadequate support services (Allensworth et al., 2021; Gallagher-Mackay, 2023; Kearney, 2016). The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study is to investigate the issue of chronic absenteeism among First Nations students in Alberta's K-12 schools and to identify the barriers to regular attendance. In this study, the contributing factors and long-term impacts of chronic absenteeism among First Nations students are explored. Hermeneutic phenomenology is used to describe and interpret the lived experiences of the participants in order to respond to the research questions. Within the phenomenological design, a six-stage thematic analysis process facilitates an in-depth exploration of the participants' lived experiences, providing insights into the long-term effects of chronic absenteeism on well-being. Grounded in social cognitive theory and the theory of planned behavior, the results of this study provide a theoretical framework to explore the behaviors and motivations related to school attendance, ultimately supporting the development of policies and programs that promote regular attendance and overall well-being for First Nations students in Alberta.
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