Date of Award

Winter 12-2024

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Department

Education

First Advisor/Committee Member

Dr. Nyaradzo Mvududu

Second Advisor/Committee Member

Dr. Julie Antilla

Third Advisor/Committee Member

Dr. Jorge Preciado

Keywords

Generational trauma, educational experiences, coping mechanisms, resilience, phenomenological study

Abstract

This phenomenological study explored the impact of generational trauma on educational spaces. This research involved narratives from eleven participants with diverse ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds and explored the nuanced ways in which generational trauma impacted the academic settings and how it influences students' social, emotional, and academic experiences. It identified three primary themes: the perception of generational trauma, its impact on academic experiences, and the coping mechanisms employed by individuals. Findings revealed that participants experience innate pressure to excel, often driven by familial expectations, alongside a lack of support which hindered academic motivation. Coping mechanisms such as various involvement in community programs, maladaptive behaviors such as invisibility though fawning, and later therapy highlight the adaptive strategies individuals use to navigate their ongoing challenges.

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