Dr. Sarah is famous

Dr. Sarah is famous

The abstract to Dr. Sarah Jacobs-Paul's dissertation is published on San Diego Psychology Association's Facebook page and newsletter's column Mental Health Mondays!

Dissertations or, clinical research projects, as they are known at some psychology professional school, are culminations of years of work about a specific topic, often one that is close to the heart of the writer. One knows it's a project of passion because of how much time and effort and interest and sustained energy it takes to read, write, edit and edit some more and write some more and research some more over and over again often in a mind-bending process of tears, rare smiles, moments of "I have something to say," and lots and lots of time spent away from beloved ones in order finish the freakin' paper and graduate with a doctoral degree. 

Each presentation of Dr. Sarah Jacob-Paul's abstract is uniquely created to appeal to a different audience. 

The abstract in the SDPA's e-newsletter is geared towards letting psychologists and other allied professionals know current research in the psychology field.

Here's what her abstract in the e-newsletter looks like:

I'm partial to the one that came straight (so to speak) from her actual dissertation, honestly. I like it because it says exactly what Dr. Sarah Jacobs-Paul wants to say, and she says it clearly. It is directed towards a more academic audience and it is part of her dissertation that allows her to complete her doctoral degree. She has given me the permission to post her abstract below. Please do not republish Dr. Sarah Jacob-Paul's words without her written permission.

I've included a TRANSLATION below the Abstract if you want to right to the Tofu (aka the meat) of what Dr. Sarah has to say. 

ABSTRACT

CONTRIBUTING FACTORS TO ACADEMIC SUCCESS IN INDIVIDUALS  WITH LEARNING DISABILITIES: A QUALITATIVE STUDY

By Sarah L. Jacobs

Learning disability (LD) literature mostly includes information about the differences,

inequalities, and shortcomings of individuals with LDs.  There is little research and

discussion about factors related to successful and positive experiences related to LDs. 

The current study’s focus was on increasing the understanding of several factors

contributing to academic success of individuals with LDs, specifically external and

internal support systems and attributes that may contribute to the educational success and

completion of a 4-year college degree for individuals with LDs.  Data were collected via

a ranking questionnaire and semistructured ethnographic interviews from seven adult

participants with a diagnosis of an LD.  Information included their use of and experience

with various academic accommodations, support systems, and their own personality

attributes (goal setting, perseverance, use of support systems, proactivity, self-awareness,

and emotional coping strategies), to navigate educational systems and complete

postsecondary degrees.  Findings indicated that all participants benefited by and utilized

the disability student services department at their respective universities.  All participants

reported receiving extensive emotional support from family, friends, and mentors. 

Lastly, participants reported the attributes of goal setting, perseverance, and effective use

of support systems as most influential on their academic success.  It was concluded that

using disabled student services is influential to the successful completion of a

postsecondary degree for individuals with an LD.  Additionally, external familial support

in combination with internal personality attributes appears to be highly influential for

academic success for individuals with an LD. 

TRANSLATION:

Phew! That was a lot of academic writing to read. It's been a few years now since I've been deep into reading academic papers.

Therefore, I'd like to translate what I received from reading Dr. Sarah Jacobs-Paul's abstract and how it can help others to one sentence.

 

Dr. Sarah Jacobs-Paul knows ways to help students succeed academically, and being the generous person she is, is willing to share techniques and strategies to you and yours.

 

She is an excellent therapist and advocate for children of all ages as they navigate learning disabilities and reach for academic success.

And she has an office in Poway, California to work with high schoolers and early college students as well as students of all ages and their families, with learning disabilities, thrive. How wonderful is that?! I'm so excited to help support her as she assists others.

To learn more about how to work therapeutically with Dr. Sarah Jacobs-Paul, please contact her directly at (619) 403-5578 extension 701 or email her at drsarah@doctorabi.com . Dr. Sarah is a registered psychology assistant working under the license of Dr. Abi Weissman (that's me). For more information about Dr. Sarah Jacobs-Paul, please click here. For more information about Waves, A Psychological Corporation, and its chairwoman and supervising psychologist, Dr. Abi Weissman, please click here. 

As always, this post does not indicate a therapeutic relationship with anyone working at Waves, A Psychological Corporation. Specifically, this post does not indicate a therapeutic relationship with Dr. Sarah Jacobs-Paul or Dr. Abi Weissman. This post contains general advice rather than advice for your individual concerns.

Please feel free to reach out if you are looking for individual support and are in the Poway, California area, we would be so happy to help you with your needs or to refer you to someone we think can better assist you in your quest towards health and happiness. 

In solidarity with those who strive for success and well-being and with cheers to Dr. Sarah Jacobs-Paul for her wonderful academic and therapeutic work,

Dr. Abi Weissman

Psychologist PSY 27497