An examination of the influencers of seniors in rural high schools in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

摘要

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to examine influencers of seniors in rural high schools in (Northeast Pennsylvania. The theoretical framework of this study is resiliency theory which focuses on discovering the mediating factors that contribute to healthy adult psychological development. One hundred forty nine seniors were surveyed, fifteen seniors were interviewed, and three focus groups of three or four students each were conducted in order to examine their perceptions of those who are the major influencers of their success or failure. The results of this study indicate seniors reported parents were their primary influencers, friends were secondary influencers, and teachers were tertiary influencers. This research further revealed the manner in which seniors were positively influenced by others. They were positive role models, cared about seniors' problems and feelings, and expected the students to succeed. The results of this research, on the population studied, concluded positive parental influence and positive student attitude are the major factors in student success.