"I Probably Wouldn't Be as Happy": Childhood Parental Separation and Posttraumatic Growth Narratives From Eight College Students

Parental separation during childhood leads to long-lasting psychological and socioemotional impact on the lives of emerging adults as they transition into higher education. The long-term effects of childhood parental separation on college students' academic performance, physical health, and overall mental wellbeing are well-documented. However, students can develop resilience to cope with challenging family and life experiences and even demonstrate post-traumatic growth. Post-traumatic growth refers to the positive changes and experiences college students discover after enduring life disruptions, such as being separated from their parents at an early age. To better understand the connection between parental separation and posttraumatic growth, a narrative thematic analysis was used to interpret the stories of eight college students who experienced parental separation for a variety of reasons. The objective of this study is to explore its influence across the five dimensions of post-traumatic growth: (1) personal strengths, (2) building relationships, (3) openness to possibilities, (4) connection to purpose/higher power, and (5) appreciation for life. Participants described how experiencing growth attributed to the parental separation, which fueled a sense of purpose towards their education and careers. Researchers conclude with the study’s limitations and implications for student affairs professionals, counselors, and researchers.