Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the experiences of adult children who had parents that experienced substance use disorder (SUD) by using Communication Theory of Resilience (CTR). Eight college students who identified as adult children of parents who have experienced substance use disorder were interviewed about their life experiences. These college students had parents who are either still experiencing SUD or had previously recovered before going to college.
Five overarching themes and processes related to CTR were identified: co-enacting caregiver identities, framing and foregrounding growth, turning to friends with commonalities, and family opening up about SUD. Within these themes, the processes of resilience from CTR were concurrently identified in each strategy. In addition to the five overarching strategies, the study showed that the population used open communication, outside support, and a positive framing of their experiences to their advantage during their time at college. Additionally, the participants of this study considered themselves more prepared and responsible in a college setting.
Advisor
Tian, Zhenyu
Department
Communication Studies
Recommended Citation
Richardson, Douglas S. Jr, "I Lived, I Learned: Communication Theory of Resilience and Adult Children of Parents Who Have Experienced Substance Use Disorder" (2023). Senior Independent Study Theses. Paper 10562.
https://openworks.wooster.edu/independentstudy/10562
Disciplines
Communication | Interpersonal and Small Group Communication | Social and Behavioral Sciences
Keywords
Resilience, Substance Use Disorder, Communication Theory of Resilience, Family Communication Patterns Theory
Publication Date
2023
Degree Granted
Bachelor of Arts
Document Type
Senior Independent Study Thesis
© Copyright 2023 Douglas S. Richardson Jr