Date of Award

Fall 12-2008

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Educational Leadership and Research

Committee Chair

Debra Gentry

Committee Member 2

James T. Johnson

Committee Member 3

Gaylynn Parker

Committee Member 4

Wanda Maulding

Abstract

This quantitative study used independent t tests to explore the level of significance with four dependent variables of educational effects (grades), financial impact (monetary hardship), physiological effects (aches, pains, or injury), and psychological effects (mental stability or illness) related to significantly affected students and moderately affected students of post- Hurricane Katrina. To determine if there was a significant difference between moderately affected students compared to significantly affected students, a questionnaire specific to the dependent variables was administered to The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) students.

Data gathered in this study suggested the greatest significant difference among significantly affected students and moderately affected students was financial impact and psychological effects. Conclusively, significantly affected students had a greater level of significance compared to moderately affected students related to educational effects, financial impact, physiological effects, and psychological effects.

The review of related literature indicated a deficiency of university disaster situations. However, reviewed literature indicated commonalities between university tragedies, such as Hurricane Katrina, and other man-made or natural post-disaster situations.

Download

Share

COinS