Untold Stories from Adult Children of Divorce: Self-determination and Sustaining Academic Motivation in College

Given that divorce is considered an adverse childhood experience (ACE), past research has found negative academic outcomes for children of divorced parents. However, divorce is so prevalent today that prevention efforts based on the resilience of those who experience it must be re-evaluated at the college level. Because life outcomes are so highly correlated with educational attainment, we present the stories of seven adult children of divorce (ACD) in college. By examining their stories, we explore ways to boost and sustain academic motivation through the lens of self-determination theory. Strategies and programs to help ACD meet their basic psychological needs through psychotherapy and campus resources are discussed.