Date on Master's Thesis/Doctoral Dissertation
12-2007
Document Type
Doctoral Dissertation
Degree Name
Ph. D.
Department (Legacy)
Department of Educational and Counseling Psychology
Committee Chair
Cuyjet, Michael J.
Author's Keywords
Schlossberg; Nancy K.; Welfare recipients; Coping; Transition theory; Welfare reform; Postsecondary institutions
Subject
Welfare recipients--United States; College students--United States
Abstract
Using Schlossberg's transition theory as the conceptual framework, this case study explored and identified the coping strategies used by seven welfare recipients attending postsecondary institutions. Three participants were enrolled in the local community college, three in a local 4-year research intuition and one attended four-year private institution. The case study used semi-structured interviews and each participant were interviewed three times over a three-month period. The findings identified multiple personal and psychological barriers to persistence. The participants had histories of childhood sexual abuse, rape, and domestic violence. Friends and community agencies, rather than family, provided the primary sources of emotional and financial support. To extend TANF benefits participants used school loans circumventing Temporary Assistant for Needy Families (TANF) work requirement. Sources of stress included time management, problems with caseworkers and the recertification process and male relationships. The study found that prayer/ spirituality was the primary coping strategy used by all the participants. Other coping strategies included brainstorming/writing, avoidance, and wishful thinking.
Recommended Citation
Pendleton, Kathy J. 1949-, "Using Schlossberg's transition theory to identify coping strategies of welfare recipients attending postsecondary institutions." (2007). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 1110.
https://doi.org/10.18297/etd/1110
