What's Up Doc? An Examination of the Lived Experiences Affecting ABD in the Ed.D. Student

Author

Kimberly Carlo, Lynn University

Date of Award

7-2023

Document Type

Dissertation

Granting Institution

Lynn University

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EDD)

Degree Program

Educational Leadership

Department

College of Education

First Advisor

Brittany E. Kiser

Abstract

Doctorate students have unique challenges and needs. Many must complete their dissertations and become stuck in the all-but dissertation (ABD) phase. The design of a doctoral program can leave out the emotional aspect of these students. This study sought to understand the needs of doctorate students and focus on challenges that inhibit them from reaching their goals. It analyzed goal commitments, personal priorities, and their significance to dissertation completion. This study analyzed doctoral students' motivation, stressors, goals, and how goalsetting can work toward completing a dissertation. The results identified indicators of ABD in Ed.D. students while completing their dissertation. Several themes emerged which can allow for future effective support of Ed.D. students.

Recommended Citation

Carlo, K. (2023). What's up doc? An examination of the lived experiences affecting ABD in the Ed.D. student [Doctoral dissertation, Lynn University]. SPIRAL. https://spiral.lynn.edu/etds/404