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Dissertations Student Research
8-1-2015
Lived Experiences of Belonging to Multiple
Nationalities
Annete Susanne Peters
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Recommended Citation
Peters, Annete Susanne, "Lived Experiences of Belonging to Multiple Nationalities" (2015). Dissertations. Paper 43.
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© 2015
ANNETTE SUSANNE PETERS
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN COLORADO
Greeley, Colorado
The Graduate School
LIVED EXPERIENCES OF BELONGING TO
MULTIPLE NATIONALITIES
A Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment
of the requirement for the degree of
Doctor of Philosophy
Annette Susanne Peters
College of Education and Behavioral Sciences
Department of Applied Psychological Counselor Education
Counseling Psychology
August 2015
This Dissertation by: Annette Susanne Peters
Entitled: Lived Experiences of Belonging to Multiple Nationalities
Has been approved as meeting the requirement for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in
College of Education and Behavioral Sciences in Department of Applied Psychology and
Counselor Education, Counseling Psychology
Accepted by the Doctoral Committee
______________________________________________________
Basilia Softas-Nall, Ph.D., Research Advisor
_______________________________________________________
Jeffrey A. Rings, Ph.D., Committee Member
_______________________________________________________
Robyn S. Hess, Ph.D., Committee Member
_______________________________________________________
Lory Clukey, Ph.D., RN, Faculty Representative
Date of Dissertation Defense ______________________________
Accepted by the Graduate School
________________________________________________
Linda L. Black, Ed.D.
Associate Provost and Dean of the Graduate School and International Admissions
ABSTRACT
Peters, Annette S. Lived experiences of belonging to multiple nationalities. Published
Doctor of Philosophy dissertation, University of Northern Colorado, 2015.
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, ! = 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)
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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).
Keywords: Identity, intersectionality, phenomenology, nationality
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
First, and foremost, I want to express my appreciation and gratitude for my
husband Benjamin Claussen. He has shown unconditional love, support, encouragement,
and patience throughout my time pursuing my doctorate degree in Counseling
Psychology. He has made numerous sacrifices over the years so that I could follow my
dreams, interests and passions. I am very fortunate to have found a lifelong partner who
is ready to be with me for the many exciting adventures to come. His emotional support
has been essential in my success in completing my dissertation.
I also want to express my deep appreciation for my parents, Christiane and Dieter
Peters, who have provided unconditional support and encouragement my entire life.
Their interest in my life and the joy they show in my accomplishments is something that
has been essential in helping me take this daring quest. A shout out also goes to my
wonderful and loving siblings, Renate, Martin, and Christoph, who have been an
inspiration for me, as well as to my in-laws and sister-in-law for their humor and positive
outlook on life.
Naturally, graduate school is not possible without having a good mentor and a
solid committee. Thank you to Dr. Lia Softas-Nall, for having worked with me these past
five years in every possible area imaginable and having pushed me to be the person I am
today. I also want to express my warm appreciation for Dr. Jeffrey Rings who has been
essential in providing me support and encouragement throughout the program. I
definitely appreciate knowing that I could always come talk to you. Thank you to Dr.
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Maria Lahman, who provided me with valuable qualitative methodological guidance in
developing my study, and to Dr. Clukey who graciously stepped in at the end to serve on
my committee. Thank you Dr. Hess for your valuable feedback that helped strengthen
my research work.
Not only have family and mentors been essential in my journey, but also
wonderful friends. There are too many to list, but you know who you are. Thank you for
all the patience, uncountable hours of support, and never ending enthusiasm. Thank you
also to all my participants who made this study possible. I feel honored to have been able
to hear so many amazing life stories.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER
I. INTRODUCTION TO THE RESEARCH PROBLEM ………… 1
Introduction
Background and Context
Statement of the Problem
Purpose of the Study
Primary Research Questions
Research Approach
Assumptions
Rationale and Significance
Definitions of Key Terms
II. LITERATURE REVIEW ……………………………………….. 12
Overview
History of Sense of Self and Identity
Sense of Self/Identity
Acculturation
Intersectionality
The Power of Language and Communication
Multicultural Counseling Competence and Social Justice
Literature Summary and Conclusions
Summary
III. METHODOLOGY ……………………………………………… 60
Introduction
Methodology
Summary
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IV. RESULTS ……………………………………………………….. 87
Introduction
Participant Descriptions
Emerging Themes
Recommendations for Mental Health Professionals
Summary
V. CONCLUSION AND DISCUSSION …………………………… 145
Overview of Study
Summary of Findings and Relationship with Current
Literature
Implications
Limitations of the Study
Summary
REFERENCES ………………………………………………………………… 192
APPENDIX A: Institutional Review Board Approval ………………………… 217
APPENDIX B: Letter to Prospective Participant ……………………………… 220
APPENDIX C: Screening Question …………………………………………… 222
APPENDIX D: Informed Consent …………………………………………….. 224
APPENDIX E: Participant Demographic Information Sheet …………………. 227
APPENDIX F: Proposed Interview Guide …………………………………….. 229
APPENDIX G: Participant Demographics …………………………………….. 232
APPENDIX H: Photo and Visual Elicitation ………………………………….. 234
APPENDIX I: Manuscript for Publication …………………………………….. 247
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