Expressing the Self: Self-Authoring in an Era of Increased Parental Involvement

• In Event: 14.021 - A Closer Look at the Self in Research and Practice

Abstract

As parental involvement increases for college students, scholars question if developmental moments where students can independently solve problems are less likely to occur. My study addressed this gap in knowledge through the development of a substantive theory that explicates the role of parents in college student development and decision making. My work suggests that the role of others is central to the decision making processes of college students, and that ultimately, parents have the ability to support and impede the development of the independent self. This work has implications for the future of college student development theory as it takes into account how parents play an active role in student development.

Author

• Dana Marie Winters, Saint Vincent College