Date
6-26-2025
Department
School of Education
Degree
Doctor of Philosophy in Higher Education Administration (PhD)
Chair
Barbara Jordan-White
Keywords
Lyme disease, support, higher education, chronic illness
Disciplines
Education
Recommended Citation
Russell, Rebekah A., "Exploring the Lived Experiences of University Students With Lyme Disease: A Qualitative Transcendental Phenomenological Study" (2025). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 7138.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/7138
Abstract
This qualitative transcendental phenomenological study aimed to describe the lived experiences of students with persistent or reoccurring Lyme disease symptoms post-treatment within the context of higher education institutions. Guided by Nancy Schlossberg’s transition theory, the research sought to explore the challenges students encountered while experiencing lasting symptoms of Lyme disease post-treatment. The central research question driving the inquiry was: What are the lived experiences of students contending with persistent or reoccurring Lyme disease symptoms post-treatment while pursuing higher education? Employing a transcendental phenomenological method, the study utilized journal prompts, interviews, and two focus groups comprised of students who have navigated or were navigating higher education while managing Lyme disease. Analysis of interview transcripts, journal prompts, and group discussions were conducted using Moustakas’s model to determine themes and present the findings. Findings were that the effects of Lyme disease were multifaceted but there were coping strategies and support to benefit students, however, there were areas where students felt more support was needed.
