The phenomenon of resilient recovery from traumatic events has been postulated from a multitude of several different theoretical orientations. The current thesis study contributes to what Glen Richardson (2002) described as the linkage between the theoretical traditions of positive psychology and the 3rd wave of resiliency research. More specifically, this study supports the linkage between resiliency and the spiritual/interpersonal experience of human beings, through the multi-modalities of both narrative and art. One of the most intriguing aspect of this thesis study is that 63 per cent of the 27 respondents (who had experienced either traumatic or difficult life events), attributed their resiliency to their belief systems of immortality. Furthermore, such issues of immortality appeared to be connected in some way with what participants in this study described as spirituality. Of the remaining 10 participants, three believed that the human spirit returned to God and did not recycle and the remaining 7 participants attributed their resiliency to other aspects such as personal strength, closeness to nature, social action, creativity, camaraderie with others and so on. Finally, in the narrative tradition, this author kept personal thesis journal notes to herself as she encountered the various participants in this study. A selection of such thesis notes are interspersed in between participants' self-defined resilient stories. Such interwoven narratives form what narrative researcher Laurel Richardson (1997) discussed as the "collective story," in which the voices of those who have been disenfranchised can be both heard and honoured.

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to examine the attributes conducive to the healthy adaptation of a family despite having a child with autism to gain a better understanding of autism and the effects of autism on family life. The study comprised a non-random sample of the whole four family members, which includes the child with autism. It is often the family as a whole that is greatly affected by the diagnosis and so all members of the family were deemed essential for the results. <p>Using a phenomenological framework, the study comprised data collected during semi-structured interviews with the four members of one family. The participants were interviewed in a three-step process to determine if qualities of resilience would emerge. Six themes evolved from the participants interviews and were used to answer the research questions.<p>Interviews were transcribed and analyzed according to phenomenological procedures seeking the essence of a familys experience of raising a child with autism. The information gathered during the interviews clarified which factors contribute to the familys resilience. The researcher gained background knowledge of the guiding principles the family has used to overcome many of the challenges of autism. As well, direction and insight intended for other families with a child with autism were gained. <p>The contributing characteristics and attributes that emerged from the data were: acceptance and understanding; adaptability and flexibility; self-efficacy; strength and determination; and support from family or community.<p>The findings support the existing understanding of factors that contribute to resilience in families affected by autism. The data collected during the interviews revealed that the participants share many of the same feelings of frustration, guilt and stress as other families affected by autism but also attain strength and a sense of hope or optimism for the future. Once the parents were able to move through the cycle of grief their healthy adaptation became apparent. The themes derived from the lived experiences of the participants demonstrate how they have emerged from adversity with resilience.

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to examine the attributes conducive to the healthy adaptation of a family despite having a child with autism to gain a better understanding of autism and the effects of autism on family life. The study comprised a non-random sample of the whole four family members, which includes the child with autism. It is often the family as a whole that is greatly affected by the diagnosis and so all members of the family were deemed essential for the results. <p>Using a phenomenological framework, the study comprised data collected during semi-structured interviews with the four members of one family. The participants were interviewed in a three-step process to determine if qualities of resilience would emerge. Six themes evolved from the participants interviews and were used to answer the research questions.<p>Interviews were transcribed and analyzed according to phenomenological procedures seeking the essence of a familys experience of raising a child with autism. The information gathered during the interviews clarified which factors contribute to the familys resilience. The researcher gained background knowledge of the guiding principles the family has used to overcome many of the challenges of autism. As well, direction and insight intended for other families with a child with autism were gained. <p>The contributing characteristics and attributes that emerged from the data were: acceptance and understanding; adaptability and flexibility; self-efficacy; strength and determination; and support from family or community.<p>The findings support the existing understanding of factors that contribute to resilience in families affected by autism. The data collected during the interviews revealed that the participants share many of the same feelings of frustration, guilt and stress as other families affected by autism but also attain strength and a sense of hope or optimism for the future. Once the parents were able to move through the cycle of grief their healthy adaptation became apparent. The themes derived from the lived experiences of the participants demonstrate how they have emerged from adversity with resilience.

No description available.

Every day the dependence on transportation grows as local, regional, national, and international independence increases. Resilient transportation systems are needed to secure the highest possible level of service during disruptive events, including natural and man-made disasters. Because of limited resources, decision makers need guidance on how, when, and where to invest to improve resiliency of their networks. The research objective is to develop a method to assess and quantify resiliency, at pre-event conditions, using a fuzzy inference approach. This research expands previous work, refining key variable definitions, adjusting model interactions, and increasing transparency between metrics. This thesis presents the method and provides an illustrative example of the methodology using the Dominican Republic as a case study. The example explains how a transportation network responds to a disruptive event and how specific investments can increase resiliency of the network. The result of this research is a quantitative basis for decision makers to conduct cost-benefit analysis of resiliency increasing projects.

This interactive phenomenological study was an attempt to understand how marginalized, low socioeconomic students in a predominately white suburban school were able to succeed to graduation and beyond. Six students were interviewed using semi-structured questions in an audio-recorded interview while the researcher annotated body language, emotions, and pauses of the participant. The perceptions of the students were examined in relation to Buber's existential I-Thou relational theory as well as other care-oriented educators such as Freire, Dewey, and Nel Noddings. Also informing the conceptual framework of the study were Milstein and others regarding resiliency.&lt;br&gt; Significant themes emerged from the participants’ narratives; however, rather than the expected prevailing theme of resiliency, something unexpected emerged. The participants all discussed the necessity of mattering to someone, of being heard and seen. This prevailing theme is what transformed the lives of these young people and gave them the inner strength to cope with often devastating events in their lives. / School of Education; / Professional Doctorate in Educational Leadership (ProDEL) / EdD; / Dissertation;

Based upon previous research and statistics surrounding the topic of female superintendents, which indicated that women moved into the position at a disproportionate rate when compared to men, this study sought to understand the experiences of female public-school superintendents. Further, the research provided a means for women to discuss their preparation, educational background, barriers, and characteristics needed for success within the superintendency. This study gathered additional information and data, from the perspective of female superintendents, in an effort increase awareness and representation. This qualitative study utilized a variety of methodology. Specifically, surveys were distributed to all female superintendents in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Following the initial survey, seven women participated in a one-one-one interview. All responses were transcribed, classified, and coded for themes. From the research, nine findings emerged, which ranged from women often move into superintendent positions from within their present school division to female superintendents indicated they have to exert more effort than their male counterparts. In addition to the findings, seven implications were developed. These included recommendations such as, the Department of Education should consider training and rubrics for school boards and school division leaders regarding gender bias in an effort to ensure equitable treatment and evaluation, and school divisions should contemplate providing mentoring opportunities to women in educational leadership positions and those exhibiting potential for these roles. The documented experiences of the women studied add to existing research related to female superintendents. This information will be useful to those interested in pursuing the superintendency. Further, the women featured in this study chose to share their experiences, educational journey, and barriers in an effort to educate, encourage, and assist others. / Doctor of Education / Based upon previous research and statistics surrounding the topic of female superintendents, which indicated that women moved into the position at an unequal rate when compared to men, this study sought to understand the experiences of female public-school superintendents. Further, the research provided a means for women to discuss their preparation, educational background, barriers, and characteristics needed for success within the superintendency. This study gathered additional information and data, from the perspective of female superintendents, in an effort increase awareness and representation. The researcher utilized a variety of methodology. Specifically, surveys were distributed to all female superintendents in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Following the initial survey, seven women participated in a one-one-one interview. All responses were recorded, documented, and analyzed for themes. From the research, nine findings emerged, which ranged from women often move into superintendent positions from within their present school division to female superintendents indicated they have to exert more effort than their male counterparts. In addition to the findings, seven implications were developed. These included recommendations such as, the Department of Education should consider training and rubrics for school boards and school division leaders regarding gender prejudice in an effort to ensure impartial treatment and evaluation, and school divisions should contemplate providing mentoring opportunities to women in educational leadership positions and those exhibiting potential for these roles. The documented experiences of the women studied add to existing research related to female superintendents. This information will be useful to those interested in pursuing the superintendency. Further, the women featured in this study chose to share their experiences, educational journey, and barriers in an effort to educate, encourage, and assist others.

This thesis investigates integration of University’s Dining Hall and Emergency Shelter in terms of their inter-related sustainability factors; the ability to take advantage of the site to harvest, store, grow and learn about all aspects of food production, and to provide a safe place to stay during times of emergency. The program, in addition to being a dining hall, is concerned with teaching about food science and culinary studies, relating to the agrarian history of the University of Massachusetts and bringing that history into the current moment with the resurgence of localized food production and in support of the UMass award winning dining halls. This program is designed for students to develop an understanding of food, water and environmental sustainable systems. Also in close relationship to the life essentials of food and water, this thesis addresses the need of the university to increase the existing shelter footprint on campus. Based on recent climate experiences, we acknowledge there will be times of severe weather which can threaten our safety or even lives. During power outages and dangerous conditions resulting from severe storms, tornadoes, or earthquakes, the university is working to be able to provide shelter for people from our community and ensure them with a well-equipped and warm place to stay. Lastly, the building is designed to have flexible spaces that can be programmed to house classes and events needed to provide learning and funding opportunities during summer time while the university is on break. All aspects of this design intertwine within each other creating an integrated system which is based on people, sun, and water circulation. The “systems” are designed to educate students as well as visitors; how to grow food, harvest green energy, and collect rain water for garden use. It gives a resource for food, energy and water on a daily basis while during emergency, crucial for survival.

Resilient children are those who succeed in school and life even though they experience adverse conditions such as poverty, illness, or parental problems. Research on the topic identifies characteristics of these children, suggests ways to help them overcome adversity, and poses questions for further study. Using available current research on the subject, the writer examined a school setting to determine how well the staff was fostering success and helping children overcome the odds. Additionally, the researcher, along with a team of teachers using an action research method, modified a curriculum to meet the needs of at-risk children in order to foster success in a safe, comforting, and nurturing environment. / Ed. D.

Burn injury is considered a distressing and traumatic injury often leading to psychological disturbances such as depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder, and body image dissatisfaction. At the same time, the literature also suggests that people demonstrate surprising resiliency when dealing with their burn injury. How women who have experienced burns understand their injury and what it means to them to be a resilient, is largely ignored in the burn literature. This study addressed these shortcomings by exploring narratives from thirteen women, recruited from a regional burn center, who experienced a burn injury of up to 30% of their total body surface area (TBSA). Two interviews were conducted with each participant. The first interview employed a photo elicitation technique whereby photographs taken by the participant of her life with a burn injury were used to elicit stories in the context of the interview. The second interview was conducted using a semi-structured interview schedule developed to investigate experiences and understandings of distress and resiliency. The interview transcripts were analyzed using narrative analysis in order to explore how women constructed stories about distress and resiliency following burn injury. The findings show three main struggles the women faced in negotiating resiliency which all pertained to relational tension, that is, relationships with others. The three struggles of resiliency identified in the study are 1) feeling as though the body was public, 2) deciding how to share their burn experience with others, and 3) accepting support from others while maintaining independence. The findings of this study are discussed in the context of a relational theory named self-silencing which delineates how women behave socially to maintain relationships by inhibiting self-expression. Findings are also discussed relative to current research in the areas of burn injury and resiliency. / February 2017