Using Schlossberg's transition theory to identify coping strategies of welfare recipients attending postsecondary institutions.

Abstract

USING SCHLOSSBERG’S TRANSITION THEORY TO IDENTIFY COPING STRATEGIES OF WELFARE RECIPIENTS ATTENDING POSTSECONDARY INSTITUTIONS Kathy J. Pendleton ___________________ Using Schlossberg’s transition theory as the conceptual framework, this case study explored and identified the coping strategies used by seven welfare recipients attending postsecondary institutions. Three participants were enrolled in the local community college, three in a local 4-year research intuition and one attended four-year private institution. The case study used semi-structured interviews and each participant were interviewed three times over a three-month period. The findings identified multiple personal and psychological barriers to persistence. The participants had histories of childhood sexual abuse, rape, and domestic violence. Friends and community agencies, rather than family, provided the primary sources of emotional and financial support. To extend TANF benefits participants