Past research on knowledge has differentiated between dimensions of knowledge, for example amount or coherence. This dissertation introduces a novel dimension of knowledge, the Motivational Utility of Knowledge (MUK), that is based on hierarchies of human needs (e.g., physical safety, status/esteem, actualization, reproduction). The effects of MUK…

This study delved into the unique challenges and experiences of female student servicemembers/veterans diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder resulting from miliary sexual trauma in higher education settings. The purpose was to explore the emotional, societal, and academic successes and barriers. Research questions focused on identifying…

Teachers must be retained in the profession to meet the ever-growing demand for SBAE teachers across the United States. Although the literature has identified several factors which influence SBAE teacher retention, previous research has not examined the psychological needs satisfaction of Minnesota SBAE teachers. While critical to retention,…

The purpose of this quantitative study was threefold: first, to measure high school principal preparedness to meet the increased mental health needs of students; second, to determine principal perceptions of mental health frameworks and needs; and third, to assist with creating a better understanding of what high school principals may need to meet…

Psychological safety describes the perception of the consequence of interpersonal risk when interacting. Psychological safety is associated with improved engagement in learning behaviors in work groups and classrooms. However, little is known about the influence of psychological safety in the context of learner-learner interactions during health…

The longer life expectancy combined with decreasing birth rates in many developed countries has led to a growing awareness of the need for older adults to extend their working lives. As more people reach their 80s and 90s, working into their late 60s and 70s will become more common for social, mental engagement, and economic reasons. However,…

The purpose of this qualitative case study was to understand teacher and administrator perspectives regarding how a ninth-grade transitional course that began during the fall of 2019 meets student needs during the transition from middle to high school. The high school in which this study was conducted, is referred to as "Midwestern High"…

On college campuses, there has been an increase in mental health needs among students. In 2019, 56% of students attended counseling for mental health concerns compared to 46% of students who attended in 2010 (The Center for Collegiate Mental Health, 2019). Colleges have begun focusing on student wellness to assist their students with the…

Limited studies address high school gifted students' social and emotional needs (Knudsen, 2018; Kregel, 2015). Additionally, there is a lack of research regarding high school gifted students' and Academically or Intellectually Gifted (AIG) directors' perspectives on the social and emotional strategies implemented locally within their school…

Internalized oppression is a pervasive issue that disproportionately affects Women of Color in education. Continuous exposure to systemic oppression, such as sexism and racism, can further exacerbate existing internalized oppression (Crenshaw, 1991) and can result in severe implications on the overall emotional, physical, and spiritual health of…

This study investigates the significance of integrating social-emotional learning (SEL) into school environments, a trend that has gained momentum over the past four decades. Recognizing that students' social and emotional competencies profoundly affect their academic success, educators are increasingly prioritizing the cultivation of skills such…

This qualitative multi-case study engaged the "testimonios" of three educators who openly shared their social and emotional experiences from their middle school years. The central inquiry, "What valuable insights can you offer from your middle school experiences to help other educators recognize and respond to the social and…

The purpose of this mixed methods phenomenological study was to explore undergraduate students' experiences of academic probation by examining changes or stabilities in the quality of their motivation and students' basic psychological needs, i.e., autonomy, competency, and relatedness, using Self-Determination Theory (SDT) as the theoretical…

This qualitative study explores the factors that motivate elementary teachers to remain in the classroom in a micropolitan area school district as filtered through the theoretical framework of Maslow's hierarchy of needs. The findings suggest, teachers working to satisfy safety needs are less likely to reach satisfaction in the areas of esteem and…

There is currently a complicated paradox with the growing trend of psychiatric hospitalizations and placements for youth and school faculty indicating the need for increased education in supporting youth during reentry post out-of-home placement (CDC, 2022; Bohnenkamp et al., 2019). Most out-of-home placements occur while school is in session…