The Effect of Early Childhood Abuse on Educational Attainment

The Effect of Early Childhood Abuse on Educational Attainment by Onzie Luke MS, University of Kentucky, 2005 BS, Miami University, 2003 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Psychology Walden University May 2019 Abstract The purpose of this study was to fill a gap in the literature regarding survivors of child abuse and their capacity to continue their educational pursuits beyond high school. Thus, this study explored the lived experience of self-identified abuse survivors who were enrolled in higher education. The theoretical bases for this study included Bandura’s social cognitive theory, Rotter’s theory of locus of control and Heider’s and Weiner’s theory of attribution. Open-ended interviews were conducted with 15 survivors of child abuse enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program at an online or brick and mortar university. The interviews were then transcribed and analyzed for relevant codes and themes. Results of this phenomenological qualitative study revealed that external supports played a major role in motivation for survivors of abuse to pursue higher education and that middle school was a pivotal point for child abuse survivors. This study contributes to social change by providing information to survivors of child abuse, educators, family members, and counselors that may lead to better understanding the needs of the survivors of child abuse and increase training effectiveness for interventions useful in meeting the unique needs of child abuse survivors.The purpose of this study was to fill a gap in the literature regarding survivors of child abuse and their capacity to continue their educational pursuits beyond high school. Thus, this study explored the lived experience of self-identified abuse survivors who were enrolled in higher education. The theoretical bases for this study included Bandura’s social cognitive theory, Rotter’s theory of locus of control and Heider’s and Weiner’s theory of attribution. Open-ended interviews were conducted with 15 survivors of child abuse enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program at an online or brick and mortar university. The interviews were then transcribed and analyzed for relevant codes and themes. Results of this phenomenological qualitative study revealed that external supports played a major role in motivation for survivors of abuse to pursue higher education and that middle school was a pivotal point for child abuse survivors. This study contributes to social change by providing information to survivors of child abuse, educators, family members, and counselors that may lead to better understanding the needs of the survivors of child abuse and increase training effectiveness for interventions useful in meeting the unique needs of child abuse survivors. The Effect of Early Childhood Abuse on Educational Attainment by Onzie Luke MA, University of Kentucky, 2005 BS, Miami University, 2003 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Psychology Walden University May 2019 Dedication I dedicate this research to all survivors of child abuse. There may be obstacles, but nothing is too hard. Acknowledgments Above all else, I must thank God for strength and wisdom to persevere through all things in life. I would also like to acknowledge my son, Jaiden for dealing with “mommy” during the tough times, and long nights. To my parents, John and Brenda, thank you for always believing in me, supporting me, and helping me in any way possible throughout my entire life. I am most grateful for the assistance of Dr. Stiles-Smith for her dedication, support, and advice from the beginning until the end of this enduring process. I am also thankful for the assistance and support from Dr. Coles and Dr. Meyer. To my friends, thank you for believing in me and supporting me, even if just to vent. A special thanks to Dr. Edythe Bouldin who encouraged me when I felt I wanted to give up and who traveled this journey with me.