The Phenomenal Characteristics of the Son-Father Relationship Experience

168 Pages·2017·0.99 MB·English

Antioch University
AURA - Antioch University Repository and Archive
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Dissertations & Theses
Dissertations & Theses
2013
The Phenomenal Characteristics of the Son-Father
Relationship Experience
Chris L. Hickey
Antioch University - PhD Program in Leadership and Change
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Hickey, Chris L., "The Phenomenal Characteristics of the Son-Father Relationship Experience" (2013).Dissertations & Theses. 22.
http://aura.antioch.edu/etds/22
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THE PHENOMENAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SON-FATHER
RELATIONSHIP EXPERIENCE

CHRIS L. HICKEY, SR.

A DISSERTATION

Submitted to the Ph.D. in Leadership and Change Program
of Antioch University
in partial fulfillment
of the requirements for the degree of
Doctor of Philosophy

April, 2013
This is to certify that the Dissertation entitled:

THE PHENOMENAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SON-FATHER
RELATIONSHIP EXPERIENCE

prepared by

Chris L. Hickey, Sr.

is approved in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of
Philosophy in Leadership and Change.

Approved by:

________________________________________________________________________
Philomena Essed, Ph.D., Chair date

________________________________________________________________________
Elizabeth Holloway, Ph.D., Committee Member date

________________________________________________________________________
Michael J. Diamond, Ph.D., Committee Member date

________________________________________________________________________
Toby Miller, Ph.D. External Reader date
Copyright 2013 Chris L. Hickey, Sr.
All rights reserved
Acknowledgments
As I was finishing up the final edits of this dissertation, I had time to pause and
reflect upon not only this particular learning product, but the entire Ph.D. learning
journey, and the many who contributed to my growth and progress along the way. With
respect to this study specifically, it is abundantly clear to me that I owe a great deal of
gratitude to a number of individuals who have contributed directly to my inspiration,
motivation, encouragement, achievement, and accomplishment associated with
completing the earning of this degree. While it is my name on the cover of this
dissertation, I need to acknowledge the great many folk who have contributed in a myriad
of ways.
I cannot thank my dissertation chair, Dr. Philomena Essed, enough. I am truly
blessed to have had her on my side. Her consistent tenacity and commitment to my
success was unyielding. Her encouragement was not only appreciated but needed
mightily. Dr. Essed provided guided advice while allowing me the space and freedom to
explore my own thoughts and perspectives. She listened to my ideas, strategies, and
approaches with care. She then offered inspiration and alternative ways to explore my
thoughts. She modeled for me the inquiring mind through our conversation and written
communication. Above all she modeled support and patience. I know I was not the
easiest student to work with, but I always knew Dr. Essed was committed to my success.
I will be forever grateful for your example and professional advice. I will also be forever
grateful for you friendship and sincerity. Thank you very much, Philomena.
The next person that I am very proud to acknowledge is the Program Director, Dr.
Laurien Alexandre. From the very beginning of my acceptance into this program, I have
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felt Laurien’s presence and support. While she always showed committed support to my
success, she also let me feel it when I needed to refocus. Laurien always provided what I
needed, when I needed it, and I am forever grateful. At one point during the program,
when I was struggling, she said to me that she was going to see me through this…I was
going to make it. I could always feel her commitment. I really must thank you, Laurien,
for being what I needed, when I needed it.
The spiritual inspiration for me from the start was and remains Dr. Carolyn
Kenny. Dr. Kenny introduced me to concepts of research and perspective that make up a
large part of my research and personal philosophy. Her gentle leadership, example, and
presence have had a tremendous effect on both my professional and personal life. I have
felt her subtle influence throughout my many years in the program. I cherish greatly our
friendship, now and forever.
Early in the program I recall being frightened by Dr. Elizabeth Holloway. Her
knowledge and commitment to sound research methodology was intimidating; however, I
can hardly explain my academic growth after working with her on a few learning
products. She cultivated a real sense of commitment to research methodology in me. Her
knowledge and professionalism gave me an understanding and appreciation for the value
and virtues of grounded theory methodology. It is my intent to pursue other research
utilizing this research methodology. I have Dr. Holloway to thank for my appreciation for
such a dynamic method of research analysis.
Others associated with the program that I must acknowledge are Dr. Jon Wergin,
Dr. Mitch Kusy, and Dr. Al Guskin, who have all contributed in various ways to my
confidence and willingness to challenge myself. I have had the privilege of having
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personal conversations with each of these men, and have appreciated their sharing and
influence on me as a man. Considering the subject matter of this dissertation, their
guidance to me was much more than coincidence. I once jokingly referred to Jon as
“dad.” Thank you all for also being what I needed, when I needed it. Shannon Venable, I
can’t say enough about how you have contributed to getting this dissertation done. I
would have to stand in a very long line to say enough about Deb Baldwin, and her value
to all of the students in the program—from the beginning. Thank you ever so much, Deb,
for your uncompromising attention to the students, in making sure we present our very
best work in the very best light. You make it all happen.
Before I get to my personal family and friends, I am compelled to acknowledge
some very important people from my Antioch Los Angeles family; where I earned my
bachelor’s degree. I cannot say enough about the influence Stephanie Soloman has had
on me with respect to how I began to see myself as an intellectual. Stephanie exposed me
to the concept of “critical thinking.” She let me explore my own sense of critical thinking
and helped me understand its value and applicability to research. Each and every time I
have the privilege of talking with Stephanie I am humbled. I Love Stephanie for the
influence she has had on my self-confidence and willingness to stretch out. She always
makes me feel like it is alright to be me. Thank you, Stephanie. Then, there is Dr. MeHee
Hyun. While Stephanie helped to unleash the critical side of my research inquiry, MeHee
provided the much needed balance for understanding the structure of research and
inquiry. There is a natural calmness that MeHee shares that allowed me to understand and
appreciate a structured approach to inquiry. I appreciate the influence and friendship that
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I share with MeHee. I am forever indebted to her for her profound influence on my
ability to find balance.
Finally, none of this would have been possible without the support, patience, and
commitment of my siblings. This dissertation is dedicated to you all, as you know what
this means to our mother. You have all equally contributed to who I am, and have
endured my constant discussion about my research. You have listened, talked with me,
encouraged me, tolerated me, and loved me throughout the various stages of my
academic pursuits. My sisters, Penny and DeAnna have been forever in my life. Your
expressed Love for me has made me who I am. Forever in my life I have felt your Love
for me. I Love you both dearly. My Brothers: Gino, Bobby, Quintin, Forrest; and my best
friend in the world, Jimmy Vickers. You have allowed be to be your big brother in the
best way I could. You have always showed your respect and appreciation for me. You
have allowed me to be your leaders. You have trusted my judgment and helped me to
grow as a man. I want to also acknowledge the many nieces and nephews that have
allowed me to be a supporting uncle: I love the title “Uncle Chris” that you have all so
dearly labeled me with profound affection. Beverly Jones, Calvin Jones, Rhonda
Kukendall-Jabari, Ramond Holland, Verna Kuykendall, Patrick Pritchard, Andy
Kuykendal,l Jr., Patricia Kuykendall, Odessa Kuykendall, and Andy Kuykendall, Sr.: I
Love you all. Thank you for your contribution to my happy life.
Then, there are my two children: Chris Jr. and Diana. It occurred to me that I have
been in some sort of schooling throughout your lives. I know that I have set an example
of life-long learning for you. I am so proud of you both, and appreciate you allowing me
to experience being a father. I am also very proud of the individuals you have brought
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into the family through marriage. Luke and Lockell are both a loving addition to my
fabulous life. I will not miss this opportunity to mention that I am still waiting to be a
grandfather. I know you all will be fabulous parents.
Finally, more than anyone else, save for my mother, I am indebted to my wife,
Sharron L. Hickey, for who I am. I have known you for more than three quarters of my
life, and you have contributed overwhelmingly to my happiness. I am beyond
appreciative for what you have been in my life: EVERYTHING!!! You have allowed me
to go through a myriad of changes and unpredictability, and have remained steadfast with
your unwavering Love, Commitment, and Support. You are always there, and I Love you
for it.
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Dedication
This dissertation is dedicated to the loving memory of my first teacher, my first
friend, and the smartest person I have been blessed to know, Ardelphia Hickey, my
mother. You will always be at my side and in my heart.
I love you, Momma.

Your #1 son, Chris.

Save my seat in Heaven, next to you.
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