The stories of self-determination and motivation of community college students who have had experiences of intimate partner sexual violence

Abstract

This research, guided by Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and self-determination theory, studied community college students who had experienced intimate partner sexual violence (IPSV) to understand their perspectives on how motivation and self-determination influenced their academic performance during their college experiences. IPSV has been recognized as a serious public health issue. Community college students experiencing IPSV are more likely to be sleep deprived, experience increased absenteeism, have lower grades, and contemplate dropping out of school. This can lead to increased rates of depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and suicidal ideation.

The researcher used generic qualitative research to conduct interviews with community college students who had experienced IPSV to discuss the importance of self-determination and motivation in their college experiences and on their career and life goals. IPSV is a pattern of coercive and assaultive behavior that may include sexual abuse, physical injury, stalking, economic deprivation, isolation from family and friends, psychological abuse, sexual assault or rape, intimidation, and reproductive coercion. Although these experiences may have lifelong consequences, the participants in this study chose to pursue a college education. The purpose of this research was to examine community college students’ experiences of IPSV, how they seek services, and their academic success despite the trauma. Further, this study provides necessary recommendations that inform colleges on the support needed for this unique population of students.