Purpose in Life among First-Generation College Students: Friends Make a Difference

Purpose in life is linked with numerous positive outcomes among adolescents and emerging adults. Peer relationships may play an important role in the cultivation of purpose, especially among first-generation college (FGC) students. The present study examined the association between the quality of peer relationships and commitment to purpose among students from three universities (N = 195). Analyses also examined whether FGC student status moderated this association. The results indicated that the quality of peer relationships significantly predicted commitment to purpose. FGC status moderated this association; high-quality relationships with peers helped close the gap in purpose commitment between FGC students and their counterparts.

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“I’ve Never Had to Do This on My Own”

10.1093/oso/9780197586693.003.0008 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 95-109

Author(s):

Kevin Correa ◽

Sylvia Symonds

Keyword(s):

College Students ◽

Student Retention ◽

Emerging Adults ◽

First Generation ◽

First Generation College Students ◽

State University ◽

Arizona State University ◽

Additional Information ◽

First Generation College

Receiving an acceptance letter to college can be both exciting and daunting for many students. For some, attending college has been an expectation since birth, but for others they will be the first in their family to attend. This chapter identifies ways to support emerging adults, including advising, mentoring, and coaching as they transition to the college campus and remain to complete their studies. Additional information on the challenges faced by first-generation college students is provided as well. The case study describes the First-Year Success (FYS) Center at Arizona State University. Guiding questions help readers consider how they might increase student retention and success at their own institutions.

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First generation college students and non-first-generation college students: Perceptions of belonging

Journal of Nursing Education and Practice ◽

10.5430/jnep.v8n12p58 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 8 (12) ◽

pp. 58 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Margaret Costello ◽

Amy Ballin ◽

Miriam Rosalyn Diamond ◽

Lan Gao

Keyword(s):

College Students ◽

Peer Relationships ◽

Sense Of Belonging ◽

First Generation ◽

First Generation College Students ◽

Work And Family ◽

First Generation Students ◽

Family Responsibilities ◽

Academic Degree ◽

First Generation College

Background and objective: First generation college students (FGS), are emerging as an important demographic group for colleges and universities. Having a ‘sense of belonging’ or belonging is important to the success of all college students, especially for the retention of students who may be at risk of not completing their academic degree. The purpose of this study is to analyze differences between first generation and non-first-generation college students based on a mattering survey.Methods: Two hundred and thirty undergraduate students in one New England College participated in a study designed to uncover differences between FGS and non-first-generation college students based on responses to a mattering survey. The study utilized a questionnaire designed to capture students’ opinions on mattering. Open questions were included to inform and enrich the data.Results: First-generation student perceived a greater number of obstacles in their college experience than non-first-generation students. Obstacles to academic success for first generation students included lack of time to study due to work and family responsibilities, financial struggles, and unhelpful faculty relationships. Facilitators were helpful faculty and peer relationships. Lack of mental health support was cited as a barrier to both cohorts of students.Conclusions: Having a sense of belonging or mattering can help the student feel a connection to the college. This may aid the student in persisting towards graduation. Persistence toward graduation is important for all students including nursing students.

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