Graduation Semester and Year

2007

Language

English

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work

Department

Social Work

First Advisor

Debra Woody

Abstract

The study employed a non-experimental survey design to assess social support, spiritual beliefs and peer influence as contributing factors to high school completion among 203 African American males between 18 and 24 years old. A review of empirical and theoretical literature is presented. The participants completed a paper and pencil or online self report survey comprised of demographics, past psychosocial factors, the friends measure of the Texas Christian University/ Prevention Management and Evaluation System scales on family, friends, and self (TCU/PMES), and the Young Adult Social Support Index (YA-SSI). Descriptives revealed that students residing in "run down" communities and attending run down school are more likely to dropout of school. T-tests were used to evaluate the differences between participants who completed high school and participants who did not. A step-wise logistic regression model was used to determine which variables remained significant while controlling for certain psychosocial factors. Of the social support networks, social support from teachers, counselors, and administrators followed by spiritual beliefs were the most significant predictors of high school completion. The single best predictor of high school completion among the participants was peer influence. Based on these finding, implications for social work practice, policy and future research are presented.

Disciplines

Social and Behavioral Sciences | Social Work

Comments

Degree granted by The University of Texas at Arlington

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