ERIC Number: EJ1342743
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2021
Pages: 20
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-2379-7762
EISSN: N/A
Invisible Chronic Illness in Female College Students
Barber, Danielle; Williams, James L.
Journal of Postsecondary Education and Disability, v34 n4 p311-330 2021
This study examined how female students negotiate the experience of college while living with an invisible chronic illness. Four research questions were explored. Quantitative data, through the use of online surveys, were collected from 105 female students living with a chronic illness enrolled at a medium-sized university in the Southwestern U.S. Results indicated that the majority of participants view their illness as a serious condition that has impacted their life. The majority of respondents reported that they feel capable of completing college, obtaining a job, and view themselves as a person of worth; however, nearly all respondents reported they have avoided social situations in college because of their chronic illness. The majority of participants indicated they accept their chronic illness diagnosis and about half reported that they engage in healthy coping behaviors. We discuss implications of the findings for administrators and disability support services and suggest additional research.
Descriptors: Chronic Illness, Females, College Students, Student Experience, Student Attitudes, Social Behavior, Disabilities, Student Adjustment
Association on Higher Education and Disability. 8015 West Kenton Circle Suite 230, Huntersville, NC 28078. Tel: 704-947-7779; Fax: 704-948-7779; e-mail: JPED@ahead.org; Web site: https://www.ahead.org/professional-resources/publications/jped
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A