Defense Date

12-17-2025

Graduation Date

Spring 5-9-2026

Availability

Immediate Access

Submission Type

dissertation

Degree Name

EdD

Department

Educational Studies (General Education)

School

School of Education

Committee Chair

Rick McCown

Committee Member

Fran Serenka

Committee Member

Theresa Farnan

Keywords

generalized anxiety, social and emotional learning, Catholic education

Abstract

In the midst of a mental health crisis in the United States, teachers in the Diocese of Cityville need to be equipped to serve elementary students who experience anxiety within an authentic Catholic context. The purpose of this study is to begin improvement research on classroom supports for students with generalized anxiety in the Diocese of Cityville elementary schools. Journey lines and a focus group discussion were conducted within a causal systems analysis to respond to the central research question: “What obstacles do Catholic elementary school teachers in the Diocese of Cityville face in meeting the needs of students with generalized anxiety in the classroom?” The researcher determined three main findings: 1. Students at St. Dymphna experience anxiety in a variety of ways that affect their whole development. 2. Teachers at St. Dymphna serve their students with anxiety in the context of Catholic education. 3. Teachers at St. Dymphna experience four main obstacles in meeting the needs of students with anxiety in the classroom. In response to the central research question, the participants determined four main obstacles: 1. Lack of Human Resources, 2. A Shared Perspective with Parents Regarding Their Child’s Mental Health, 3. Variation in Understanding of Resources and Procedures, and 4. Lack of Formal Diagnosis as a Limitation to Supports. Next steps on the agenda include researching updates to the Diocese of Cityville support plan as well as continuing improvement research through a system improvement map and driver diagram.

Language

English

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