Date of Conferral

8-21-2026

Date of Award

August 2026

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Hedy Dexter

Abstract

Native Hawaiian males experience the lowest college graduation rates among all ethnic groups in Hawaiʻi, with only 15% attaining a bachelor’s degree or higher. This disparity significantly impacts income, employment opportunities, and the overall quality of life for Native Hawaiian men. This contributes to increased houselessness and poverty, as well as reduced access to healthcare. Research shows that intelligence mindset, grit, and ethnic-racial identity can positively influence academic outcomes, but little is known about how these factors relate specifically to academic motivation among 94 Native Hawaiian men. This study used a non-experimental, cross-sectional, quantitative survey design to examine the relative predictive strength of intelligence mindset, grit, and ethnic-racial identity in predicting academic motivation among Native Hawaiian males in Hawai’i with data collected via Survey Monkey. This study was informed by Atkinson’s expectancy-value theory of motivation, which posits that one’s expectation of achieving an identified goal influences their motivation to pursue that goal (e.g., a college degree) to the extent that the goal is valued. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis was conducted to test hypothesized relationships. Analysis of the data showed a significant positive relationship between intelligence mindset and academic motivation, such that higher levels of intelligence mindset predicted higher levels of academic motivation. Statistically significant results were not found for either grit or ethnic-racial identity. With important implications for positive social change, findings from this study offer insights useful for academics, community organizations, policymakers, and Native Hawaiian families interested in improving graduation rates for Native Hawaiian males.

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