The pursuit and completion of postsecondary education for adult daughters of abused women

Abstract

This article reports on a qualitative study that examined why adult daughters of abused mothers (N = 38) pursue and complete postsecondary education. Through the use of purposive sampling and the grounded theory method, participants’ motivation to complete an undergraduate (n = 24) or graduate (n = 14) degree involved distancing from their childhood trauma, discovering meaning in their suffering, and finding a life purpose. Implications include adult educators facilitating transformational learning opportunities that may assist students to recognize their abilities to learn and grow from negative life events. Additionally, university counseling staff may support students to find meaning in their struggles with adversity.

Keywords:

• Child witnesses
• domestic violence
• postsecondary education
• post-traumatic growth

Correction Statement

This article has been republished with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Kim M. Anderson

Kim M. Anderson is a professor in the School of Social Work and the Public Affairs doctoral program at the University of Central Florida. Her research interests include looking at resilience and posttraumatic growth in trauma populations.

Ashley Wilt Connors

Ashley Wilt Connors, MA, is a doctoral student in the Public Affairs doctoral program at the University of Central Florida.