By Jaelon Jackson
School of Social Work
Ph.D. candidate, Rebecca Cole
In July a PhD candidate in the School of Social Work at the University of Texas at Arlington, successfully defended her dissertation.
Rebecca Cole defended her dissertation titled “Online Romance Scam Victimization in the United States.”
Cole’s academic journey reflects her dedication to understanding and addressing the complex challenges faced by victims of online romance scams. She earned her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and psychology from Stephen F. Austin State University.
Cole earned her master’s degree in social work from the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work. She began her PhD in Social Work studies at UTA during the height of the COVID pandemic in Fall 2020 with a focus on contributing to social work practice through rigorous research.
Her dissertation explored the factors associated with online romance scam victimization, including loneliness and interpersonal trust, and examined the emotional, psychological, physiological, and legal consequences experienced by victims.
Through a mixed-methods approach, Cole’s research highlighted that the impacts of these scams extend beyond financial loss, affecting long-term mental and physical health. Despite challenges in recruiting participants and personal setbacks, Cole employed innovative strategies to engage her study population and gather meaningful data.
Cole’s work highlights the importance of providing comprehensive support for victims of online scams, advocating for increased awareness, trauma-informed care, and better training for law enforcement to reduce stigma and encourage reporting. Her research contributes valuable insights to social work, emphasizing the need for long-term mental health support alongside financial recovery.
“My hope is that my research will create awareness and foster a safer online environment for people,” Cole said. “It’s important to address the stigma surrounding these scams and provide victims with the support they need.”
Dr. Sophia Fantus and Dr. Noelle Fields, professors in the School of Social Work and co-chairs of Cole’s dissertation committee, praised her dedication and scholarly growth. “Rebecca showed incredible passion, determination, and resilience throughout her dissertation journey,” Dr. Fantus said. “She continuously sought ways to disseminate her research and engage with the community.”
“Rebecca demonstrated incredible tenacity and determination throughout the many phases of her dissertation,” Dr. Fields said. “She leveraged her interpersonal skills to recruit participants and approached all aspects of her work with integrity.”
Cole’s successful defense marks a significant achievement in her academic career. She will continue her research as the inaugural postdoctoral research fellow at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Social Work.
