Graduate Program
Family and Consumer Studies
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Semester of Degree Completion
2013
Thesis Director
Axton Betz-Hamilton
Thesis Committee Member
Lisa Moyer
Thesis Committee Member
Crystal Duncan-Lane
Abstract
Identity theft is prominent and is specifically affecting the general population of young adults. There is a void the in research that focuses on parental influence regarding identity theft on their college children. Prior research shows that identity theft is rapidly growing and is a problem. (Winterdyk & Thompson, 2008). The aims of this study are to enhance the awareness of identity theft, and to show the importance of identity theft education. Albert Bandura's Social Learning Theory is applied to the study as well, and is used a potential guide to understanding the effects of parental behavior and perceptions of identity theft on their student children.
The purpose of this study was to examine the questions, "Do parents' perceptions of identity theft influence college students' perceptions of identity theft?" and "Do parents' identity theft prevention behaviors influence college students' identity theft prevention behaviors?"
The study included a total of 159 college students from a Midwestern university. Each respondent completed a survey about identity theft. Bivariate regressions were employed to analyze the data. The results indicated that college students' perceptions and behaviors regarding identity theft may be influenced by their parents' perceptions and behaviors about identity theft. Based on the findings of this study, suggested recommendations include program development. Limitations of the study were noted.
Recommended Citation
Lucas, Laura B., "Identity Theft Among College Students" (2013). Masters Theses. 1172.
https://thekeep.eiu.edu/theses/1172
