Department of Conflict Resolution Studies Theses and Dissertations
Copyright Statement
All rights reserved. This publication is intended for use solely by faculty, students, and staff of Nova Southeastern University. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, now known or later developed, including but not limited to photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author or the publisher.
Date of Award
2025
Document Type
Dissertation - NSU Access Only
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy
Department
Halmos College of Arts and Sciences - Department of Conflict Resolution Studies
First Advisor
Elena Bastidas
Second Advisor
Robin Cooper
Third Advisor
Ismael Muvingi
Keywords
adolescents, advocacy, arts-based narrative inquiry, bias, care delivery, communication, community-based care, comprehensive care, conflict resolution, culturally sensitive healthcare, equity-focused care, healthcare access, healthcare justice, healthcare quality, healthcare systems, lived experiences, narrative reflection, psychosocial care providers, psychosocial factors, rural communities, sickle cell disease, Social Capacity Theory, supportive relationships, Systems Theory, systemic barriers, underserved populations, virtual interviews, visuo-textual analysis, young adults
Abstract
This qualitative, arts-based narrative inquiry explores the barriers and challenges to comprehensive care experienced by adolescents and young adult patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) in rural southeastern U.S. communities, incorporating perspectives from both patients and psychosocial care providers. Utilizing Social Capacity Theory and Systems Theory as theoretical frameworks, this study examines the psychosocial, structural, and systemic factors influencing healthcare access, quality, and justice. Data were collected through virtual interviews that integrated visual art creation and narrative reflection, enabling rich visuo-textual analysis of lived experiences. The findings reveal overlapping themes of systemic barriers, bias, isolation, and the critical role of supportive relationships and advocacy in care delivery. Divergences between patient and provider perspectives highlight the complexity of navigating rural sickle cell care. This study underscores the emotional toll on both groups and emphasizes the importance of conflict resolution approaches to enhance communication, trust, and collaboration within healthcare systems. The results inform recommendations for community-based, equity focused care models aimed at improving outcomes for this underserved population and advancing sustainable, culturally sensitive healthcare practices in rural settings.
NSUWorks Citation
Calvin E. Bradley, Jr.. 2025. Marginalized in a time of crisis: Culture, context, and capacity in adolescent sickle cell care. Doctoral dissertation. Nova Southeastern University. Retrieved from NSUWorks, Halmos College of Arts and Sciences - Department of Conflict Resolution Studies. (267)
https://nsuworks.nova.edu/shss_dcar_etd/267.