ORCID
https://orcid.org/0009-0001-1902-1325
Date of Award
2024
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Education (Ed.D.)
Department
Administrative and Instructional Leadership
First Advisor
Barbara Cozza
Second Advisor
Richard Bernato
Third Advisor
James Coviello
Abstract
This interpretative qualitative study delves into adult children's experiences pursuing science degrees, exploring how parental attitudes influence their persistence in higher education. Conducted at a suburban New York community college, the research employs Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis through questionnaires, interviews, and artifact analysis. Findings reveal that parental encouragement positively motivates participants, while financial stability and familial experiences significantly impact academic decisions. Participants perceive their parents' attitudes toward learning as mostly positive, shaping their own educational orientations. The study extends Bowen's theory by illustrating how parental attitudes contribute to perceptions of employment and financial stability. Additionally, Bandura's social learning theory underscores the role of parental modeling and reinforcement in shaping individuals' behaviors and self-efficacy beliefs. This research addresses a gap in qualitative research on parental influence on STEM outcomes at community colleges, providing foundational insights for future studies in higher education. Keywords: community college, science degree, adult children, science attitudes
Recommended Citation
Costa, Kevin, "A PHENOMENOLOGICAL STUDY INVESTIGATING THE IMPACT OF PARENTS' ATTITUDES TOWARD SCIENCE UPON THEIR ADULT CHILDRENS' PURSUIT OF A SCIENCE DEGREE FROM A SUBURBAN COMMUNITY COLLEGE IN NEW YORK" (2024). Theses and Dissertations. 776.
https://scholar.stjohns.edu/theses_dissertations/776