Trauma, Resilience, and Social Support of First-Generation College Students

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2020-12
Authors
Avitia, Alicia
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Kim, Sunyoung
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Counseling Psychology
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First-generation college students (hereafter, FGS) experience unique factors that put them at-risk for non-degree completion. The aim of the study was to examine institutional/personal social support factors, trauma related events, and resilience levels of FGS and non-first-generation college students (hereafter, non-FGS). The researcher administered a paper and pencil, self-report survey to multiple undergraduate psychology related classrooms.The findings of this study indicated that more FGS participated in the study compared to non-FGS. Family and Friends were chosen by FGS and non-FGS as being the most important personal social support factors. FGS reported receiving Financial Aid as the most important institutional social support factor while non-FGS chose Professors. The FGS and non-FGS did not show significant differences in experiencing traumatic life events and level of resilience. A strong perception of social support was associated with the perceived likelihood of staying in college. There was a significant positive correlation between resilience and perceived social support. Regardless of first-generation status, gender, trauma experience, and resilience level, a stronger perception of social support predicted a higher perceived likelihood of staying in college. Future considerations could consider gathering qualitative reports from these students via in-person, focus groups, increasing the number in the sample size, and establishing a more efficient system to collect data from a wide range of FGS including the Federal TRIO Student Support Services program participants.
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Counseling psychology, First-Generation College Students, Resilience, Social Support, Trauma
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79 pages
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