Organization, Information and Learning Sciences ETDs

Publication Date

Fall 12-16-2023

Abstract

Using a qualitative, naturalistic inquiry research design, and following the guide principles for conducting research with American Indian populations, this study explored how American Indian college students develop a sense of well-being as they pursue an associate degree in a rural community college. To understand well-being from an American Indian perspective, I used an indigenous model, Secatero’s (2009) four Well-Being Concepts, which include physical, social, mental, and spiritual aspects, as the conceptual framework for my study. The participants in my study described well-being as identity, beliefs, values, relationships, perseverance, and financial stability. They were developing a sense of well-being as they pursued an associate degree.

The themes and subthemes that emerged from the interviews I conducted with students pursuing an associate degree in a rural community college helped me to interpret the results and reconceptualize Secatero’s four Well-Being Concepts. The reconceptualized well-being concepts radiate from the inner core to the outer ring, progressing like the growth of a tree. At the innermost core is cultural identity, progressing into spirituality and family-community support to the outermost college preparation, all of which contribute towards the development of well-being as students pursue their degrees. American Indian college students develop a sense of well-being if they are grounded in their cultural identity, have a strong sense of spirituality, and have family and community support to take them through college. In addition, college preparation prior to enrollment helps them succeed as students. Challenge and persistence were part of the participants’ lives through their associate degree program of study.

Several implications are suggested for how higher education administrators and faculty can support American Indian college students to develop a sense of well-being to succeed in obtaining their degrees. Future research using more in-depth interviews with diverse American Indian college students in diverse contexts can develop a comprehensive understanding of the well-being concepts explored in this study.

Degree Name

Organization, Information and Learning Sciences

Level of Degree

Doctoral

Department Name

Organization, Information & Learning Sciences

First Committee Member (Chair)

Dr. Charlotte "Lani" Gunawardena

Second Committee Member

Dr. Amir Hedayati-Mehdiabadi

Third Committee Member

Dr. Vincent Werito

Fourth Committee Member

Ms. Sarah Kostelecky

Language

English

Keywords

Well-Being, Corn Model, Secatero, Indigenous Perspective, Rural Community College, Persistence, Strengths-Based Approach, Holistic Approach

Document Type

Dissertation

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