A phenomenological examination of well-being from a dimensional perspective as experienced by medical assisting students at a community college

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the well-being experiences of community college medical assisting students from a dimensional perspective. A convenience sample identified 10 community college students majoring in medical assisting for interviews. Participants described their well-being experiences. A modified version of the Stevick-Colazzi-Keen method of analysis (Creswell, 2013) was followed in analyzing data, focusing on textural, structural, and textural-structural descriptions. The textural description indicated what happened to the participants concerning their well-being. The structural description emphasized how these phenomena occurred, and the textural-structural composite described the essence of the well-being experiences. Five themes emerged related to well-being experiences: relational aspects, time management, appreciation for improved well-being, uncertainty of new beginnings, and hope for a future of well-being. Recommendations include the promotion of various forms of counseling services, health care services, child care, dining options, and a fitness facility available to students who attend this community college. These services might directly promote student wellbeing increasing the likelihood of program completion.