Date on Master's Thesis/Doctoral Dissertation

12-2018

Document Type

Doctoral Dissertation

Degree Name

Ph. D.

Department

Counseling and Human Development

Degree Program

Counseling and Personnel Services, PhD

Committee Chair

Hirschy, Amy

Committee Co-Chair (if applicable)

Gross, Jacob

Committee Member

Gross, Jacob

Committee Member

Longerbeam, Susan

Committee Member

Valentine, Jeff

Author's Keywords

sexual violence; college; integration; climate

Abstract

This purpose of this study is to explore the relationships among identity, sexual violence, reporting choices, perception of campus climate and institutional integration. Student affairs professionals and other educators are particularly concerned about the effects of sexual violence on college students because of the deleterious effects that such violence has on factors critical to student success. Research indicates that 1 in 5 students will experience actual or attempted sexual assault while in college (Fisher, 2000). Students with greater levels of social and academic integration have a greater commitment to their college or university and thus graduate at higher rates (Tinto, 1975). While much is known about how sexual violence is related to the college experience of those who are victimized during their first semester, little research has focused on how such an experience is associated with institutional integration. This study drew from two theories: Tinto’s theory of student departure (1975; 1993) and Abes, et al.’s reconceptualized model of multiple dimensions of identity (2007). Specifically, this study examined how identity, sexual violence, campus climate, and reporting choices relate to institutional integration as measured by the Institutional Integration Scale (Pascarella & Terenzini, 1980; Tinto, 1975, 1993, 1997). This study found a significant positive relationship between perception of campus climate and institutional integration. The study concludes with recommendations for educators who work with students who have experienced sexual violence.

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