Domestic Violence and Demographic Variables as Predictors of Resiliency Among Young Adults

Domestic Violence and Demographic Variables as Predictors of Resiliency Among Young Adults by Sylvanus O. Abraham Ed.D. , Education and Theological Studies Graduate Theological Foundation, 2000 M.A., Franciscan University of Steubenville, Ohio, 1998 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment Of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Clinical Concentration Walden University December 2017 Abstract An increased understanding of resilience may determine how human psychological development can result in positive outcomes despite adversarial situations. However, current studies have not provided a relevant predictive model that can adequately predict resilience, particularly among young adults exposed to domestic violence. Based on Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory, the purpose of this quantitative noncomparative study was to examine whether domestic violence, age, gender, ethnicity, individual emotional and physical abilities, types of domestic violence exposure, and frequency of domestic violence exposure could adequately predict resilience among young adults. Quantitative data were collected from 118 young adults in the Midsouth region of the United States. The data were collected via a questionnaire and analyzed using a stepwise multiple linear regression. The results of the analysis were significant, indicating that the frequency of domestic violence exposure was a significant negative predictor of resiliency. These results suggested a need for further examination of environmental protective factors, according to Bronfenbrenner’s ecological model, that may affect resilience development. By discovering factors that predict resilience, whether positive or negative, stakeholders can target interventions and develop policies that can eradicate the harmful social and psychological influences of domestic violence on children.An increased understanding of resilience may determine how human psychological development can result in positive outcomes despite adversarial situations. However, current studies have not provided a relevant predictive model that can adequately predict resilience, particularly among young adults exposed to domestic violence. Based on Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory, the purpose of this quantitative noncomparative study was to examine whether domestic violence, age, gender, ethnicity, individual emotional and physical abilities, types of domestic violence exposure, and frequency of domestic violence exposure could adequately predict resilience among young adults. Quantitative data were collected from 118 young adults in the Midsouth region of the United States. The data were collected via a questionnaire and analyzed using a stepwise multiple linear regression. The results of the analysis were significant, indicating that the frequency of domestic violence exposure was a significant negative predictor of resiliency. These results suggested a need for further examination of environmental protective factors, according to Bronfenbrenner’s ecological model, that may affect resilience development. By discovering factors that predict resilience, whether positive or negative, stakeholders can target interventions and develop policies that can eradicate the harmful social and psychological influences of domestic violence on children. Domestic Violence and Demographic Variables as Predictors of Resilience Among Young Adults by Sylvanus O. Abraham Ed.D. , Education and Theological Studies Graduate Theological Foundation, 2000 M.A., Franciscan University of Steubenville, Ohio, 1998 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment Of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Clinical Concentration Walden University December 2017 Dedication This project is dedicated to Susan Herndon here in the United States and to my beloved mother in Nigeria. They both have been the source of my inspiration and strength to accomplish this goal. Acknowledgment I have come to the self-realization that none of this academic work would be possible if I had lost my trust in my relationship with God. My dreams to actualize this task would have been impossible without the strength God has given me. God, in my personal opinion, has used the following individuals to achieve this academic goal, and therefore, I would like to thank my doctoral chair, Dr. McBride, for keeping me calm and together over the past year on this journey. Without his guidance and support, this journey would not have been possible. On the same note, Dr. Barton will not be forgotten in her capacity to serve as my second committee member. Without the knowledge and guidance Drs. McBride and Barton have provided, the proclaimed success would not have been possible. I will not forget my family members whom today I consider my cheerleaders for their encouragement during hard times as I climbed this academic mountain. Thank you for your love, support, and words of encouragement, which kept me motivated throughout the process. I want my family to know that I could not have completed this journey without them.