Crossing the Finish Line: The Role of Posttraumatic Stress and Type of Trauma Exposure in College Graduation

Abstract

The present study examined whether posttraumatic stress (PTS) and type of trauma exposure (i.e., interpersonal vs. noninterpersonal traumas) predicted college graduation. The sample included 894 first-year college students (55.6% male) who completed a survey in fall 2013. Four years after the initial survey, we obtained students’ enrollment information from the university. Results indicated that, after controlling for some of the well-established predictors of college persistence, type of trauma or PTS did not significantly predict college graduation. On the other hand, depressive symptomatology reported in the first semester of college was associated with decreased odds of graduating from college within four years (vs. dropping out).

Keywords:

• college dropout
• college graduation
• depressive symptomatology
• posttraumatic stress
• trauma exposure

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Güler Boyraz

Güler Boyraz, Ph.D., is an associate professor of psychology at Pace University, NYC. Since completing her doctoral training at the University of Memphis, Dr. Boyraz has been conducting research on the topics of grief, loss, trauma, and health disparities. Her research aims to better understand the risk factors that increase individuals’ vulnerability to adversity, as well as the protective factors that promote positive psychological, educational, and health outcomes among vulnerable populations.

Rebecca Granda

Rebecca Granda, M.S.Ed., Ph.D., is an adjunct assistant professor of psychology at City University of New York, John Jay College of Criminal Justice. She is also a licensed psychologist working at Brooklyn Heights Behavioral Associates, a group practice that provides dialectical behavior therapy to all ages. She currently provides individual therapy and conducts family intakes, and continues to conduct research focused primarily on trauma.