Abstract
This qualitative study delves into understanding how filial piety and bicultural identity factors contribute to why Southeast Asian American (SEAA) students transition in and out of a limited enrollment (or selective) major choice in Nursing. The National Center for Education Statistics reported that more than 80% of students at 4-year institutions changed their majors more than once (Halasz & Bloom, 2019; National Center for Education Statistics, 2017). According to a recently published report at California State University, Sacramento (CSUS), 70% of SEAA students indicate academic and educator factors interfered with their ability to complete their degree, of which poor choice of major is one of the primary factors (Vang & Xiong, 2023). Studies show that major changes in selective majors, such as nursing, are attributed to competitive admission requirements, limited enrollment, career indecision, and evolving intrinsic interests. In addition, emerging research indicates SEAA students with bicultural identities encounter pressures of internal and external obligation from cultural and family values to pursue a selective major despite reporting high levels of major uncertainty.
The research applies the theoretical and conceptual framework of bicultural identity integration, bicultural competence, and theories of filial piety to examine precursors and factors to identity/major congruence and its association with major choice for degree completion. Using narrative portraits in qualitative data from first- and second-generation SEAA students, this research helps to better understand the role of bicultural identity in the transition experience to major choice and major change in a selective major, such as Nursing. Using the tools of narrative portraiture research inquiry, the study aims to reshape and reframe the value of education by highlighting the voices of SEAA students who have persevered and found success in a major choice outside of nursing.