Date

11-11-2026

Department

School of Behavioral Sciences

Degree

Doctor of Education in Community Care and Counseling (EdD)

Chair

Stephanie Cheek

Keywords

addiction recovery, Schlossberg Transition Theory, sobriety, transformation, Self-Determination Theory, transition, substance abuse, coping skills

Disciplines

Counseling | Psychology

Abstract

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to understand the lived experiences of the adult participants moving through treatment into sobriety in Northeastern Kansas. Schlossberg’s Transition Theory (STT) and Self-Determination Theory (SDT) provided this study’s theoretical framework, which sought to answer the following central research questions: how do adults in Northeastern Kansas describe their transition from addiction, through treatment and into sobriety? Further research questions include how do participants describe their internal resources of motivation to maintain sobriety? How do participants describe their external resources of motivation to maintain sobriety? The design for this study was transcendental phenomenology by Moustakas (1994). Data collection involved semi-structured interviews, a focus group, and cognitive representations from ten participants that considered themselves recovered from addiction. Data analysis was conducted using epoche, phenomenological reduction, imaginative variation, and synthesis of meanings and essences. Three major themes emerged: “Theme One: Moving In,” “Theme Two: Moving Through,” and “Theme Three: Moving Out.” This dissertation contains information regarding research that has been completed on addiction recovery, transition theory, and self-determination. There is a need for addiction research and education for all substance abuse and recovery/healthcare professionals and support systems that assist in helping people maintain sobriety.

Download

Share

COinS