Advisor
Softas-Nall, Basilia
Committee Member
Rings, Jeffrey A.
Committee Member
Hess, Robyn S.
Department
Counseling Psychology
Institution
University of Northern Colorado
Type of Resources
Text
Place of Publication
Greeley (Colo.)
Publisher
University of Northern Colorado
Date Created
8-1-2015
Genre
Thesis
Extent
296 pages
Digital Origin
Born digital
Description
The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the lived experiences of individuals who identify with multiple nationalities. As this world becomes increasingly global and more and more individuals migrate, it is becoming increasingly common for individuals to identify with more than one nationality. This is an important area for counseling psychologists and mental health professionals to be aware of in order to gain an understanding of those who identify with multiple nationalities, which will be helpful in providing more effective treatment. A phenomenological research design was utilized in this study. Ten participants (age range = 25 to 46, x = 30.1) were recruited who identified with more than one nationality and interviewed. Saturation was reached after seven participants, with three additional participants already recruited completing interviews to strengthen the findings. Several themes emerged that described participants’ experiences belonging to multiple nationalities in the context of intersectionality including: (a) process of identifying with multiple nationalities; (b) intentionality about identifying with multiple nationalities; (c) reactions of others; (d) cultural intelligence—openness, appreciation, and acceptance of diversity; (e) similarities between cultures, language, religions, and spiritualties across nationalities; (f) feeling connected or disconnected through language; (g) where is home, and do I belong?; (h) professional identities; and (i) importance of food. Participants provided recommendations for mental health professionals and counseling psychologists when working with individuals who identify with multiple nationalities. Theoretical and research implications are discussed. Clinical implications are also provided and include information to help counseling psychologists better understand what it is like to identify with multiple nationalities, such as the advantages (e.g., cultural intelligence) and difficulties experienced (e.g., reactions of others).
Degree type
PhD
Degree Name
Doctoral
Language
English
Local Identifiers
Peters_unco_0161D_10415
Rights Statement
Copyright is held by author.
