Date of Award

Fall 11-1-2021

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Department

Organizational Leadership

First Advisor

Patrick Ainsworth

Second Advisor

Kimberly Greene

Third Advisor

Nick Arman

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological replication study was to understand the unique challenges experienced by veterans diagnosed with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) while attending a California State University (CSU) in Riverside, San Diego, San Bernardino, or Orange County. Furthermore, it was the intent of this study to explore the current and prospective services veteran students believe were helpful or would be helpful in promoting positive academic outcomes.

A phenomenological approach was utilized in the development of this qualitative research study to explore the lived experiences of veteran students diagnosed with PTSD attending a California State University (CSU) in Riverside, San Diego, San Bernardino, or Orange counties. Moreover, this research study explores the current and prospective services veteran students diagnosed with PTSD believe were helpful or would be helpful in promoting their academic success and persistence. Semi-structured, virtual interviews were conducted and recorded to illicit a deeper understanding of the veteran students experiences as they navigate the complexities of the CSU system. The data yielded from the interviews were coded using NVivo software which, subsequently, established common themes.

Analysis and evaluation of the data from the seven participants identified 13 major findings. The participants indicated their motivations for attending college, the challenges they experienced, and the strategies they employed to improve their academic outcomes. Furthermore, the findings revealed the support services which enhanced their ability to achieve positive academic outcomes and persistence.

The conclusions of the study indicated the participants believe PTSD and the symptoms associated with this stress and trauma related disorder presented challenges which impaired their positive academic outcomes. The participants also identified support services and mitigation strategies that were instrumental in increasing their positive academic outcomes and persistence.

To expand the breadth and depth of this study, additional research is recommended. The recommendations proposed include increasing the scope of the study to explore other institutions of higher learning and increasing the sample size. Furthermore, a comparative study encompassing private and public universities would identify the most effective support services veteran students diagnosed with PTSD perceive would enhance their academic outcomes and persistence.

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