This paper challenges the general claim that teachers are always central in the school success of refugee students (Engels et al., 2021; Ghasemi, 2021; Wubbels et al., 2006). A typological analysis based on the self-determination theory of Ryan and Deci (2017) was used to study how teacher-student interaction interplays with the sense of belonging…

Basic need insecurities (BNI) often impact the ability of community college students to persist and complete their goals. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated BNI for students, forcing administrators to address BNI. The purpose of this study was to gain a deeper understanding of the leadership strategies and competencies that contributed to how…

Children adopted from care become part of a hidden, but no less vulnerable, group in the education system and may be overlooked for allocation of additional support and guidance. Adoption is a relatively unique experience and adds layers of complexity, difference and vulnerability to young people's lives that are poorly understood and…

This dissertation investigates first-year college students' academic, personal, and spiritual expectations at a Utah university, focusing on the available resources to help them meet these expectations. Using a qualitative descriptive approach, the study highlights the gap between students' anticipated and actual experiences, significantly…

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence fraternity involvement has on a sense of belonging for Black men at a mid-size, 4-year, predominantly White public institution. This case study used semistructured interviews and a focus group to capture the experiences of this population. As a result of this study, the researcher was able…

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to describe the experiences of former foster students in online educational environments. Maslow's hierarchy of needs acted as the theory guiding this study, as it was essential when investigating how unmet needs for foster children affected their motivation to learn and feelings of…

Forcibly displaced youth (FDY) are young people who have resettled in the United States as refugees, asylees, or asylum seekers. FDY access schools almost immediately upon their arrival, which creates an opportunity to address social-emotional needs while providing instruction in the English language and academic content (Fazel et al., 2016; Tyrer…

Transgender and gender diverse (TGD) students often face discrimination, harassment, and inadequate support in educational settings, leading to increased stress and negative health outcomes. This study investigated differences in perceived social support from various sources and types between TGD students and their cisgender peers, and how this…

Findings from this descriptive psychological phenomenological study identify distinct patterns of identity expression in multiracial Native American students. Participants used selective invisibility to avoid monoracialism or feeling invisible to their institution and there were personal reservations about the authenticity of their Indigenous…

The racialized history of sickle cell disease (SCD) continues to contribute to racial disparities in healthcare and education. In the context of the racialized history of SCD, we begin by outlining subtypes of SCD and explaining that SCD is associated with chronic pain, silent cerebral infarct, overt stroke, and poor overall well-being--all of…

Engaging in mental health advocacy as a high schooler has granted the author the unique opportunity to observe some of the most inspiring manifestations of hope that humanity has to offer. Simultaneously, it has opened their my eyes to the systemic underrepresentation and misrepresentation of youth. The author has been mentored by their school…

The purpose of this study is to examine the barriers non-traditional students experience in their attempt to complete their degree program. Semi-structured interviews revealed four key themes: family; support; generational-gaps, and community. These themes highlight areas in which non-traditional students feel they have experienced obstacles in…

Objective: The purpose of the current study was to examine the relationship between the level of perceived support for the basic psychological needs of autonomy, competence, and relatedness and satisfaction with health and quality of life among undergraduate college students with disabilities. Method: 286 postsecondary students with disabilities…

In response to COVID-19, post-secondary institutions went through a widespread transition to online and remote learning to address the immediate effects of disruption in the teaching and learning environment. This study aims to map the changes and challenges in the areas of responses to students' psychological needs, responses to students'…

This study focused on understanding the circumstances that led to students being placed on academic probation and the effect of a support program on their academic recovery. Understanding students lived experiences that lead to academic underperformance is vital to the development and implementation of academic support programs. Ensuring that the…