Abstracts Psychology

Exploring Involvement : A Qualitative Study

by Kyle Flowers

Involvement has been defined and researched by many student affairs professionals and theorists over the past 40 plus years. While many studies have researched the relationship between involvement and a student's academic success, little research has been done that explores what involvement means to them, and the motivations and factors for being involved. This research was designed to answer those two questions and determine how student affairs professionals can shape their advising and supervising to meet the needs of students who are involved. The study consists of seven participants who self-identified as being a full-time undergraduate student that was involved 20-30 hours a week. As a result of the data collection, five themes were identified to help the researcher make meaning of the participants' experience: involvement-going beyond the basic school requirements, motivation for involvement is individualized, staying organized through calendars, notes, and task lists, benefits and consequences are everywhere, and the importance of reflection. Based on the findings and discussions recommendations, conclusions, and implications were then made to support students who self-identify as being involved 20-30 hours as week. Advisors/Committee Members: Roper, Larry (advisor), Dittman, Beth (committee member).