Date of Submission
2017
Degree Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)
Department
Psychology
Department Chair
Robert A DiTomasso, PhD, ABPP
Abstract
This qualitative research was conducted with first-generation college students who were enrolled in one of two university settings in northeastern Pennsylvania. The purpose of the study was to explore the unique stressors and coping mechanisms first-generation college students experience and how these impact their academic self-efficacy beliefs. A total of 10 participants were interviewed for the study using a demographic questionnaire, self-report stress scale, and semi-structured interview. Grounded theory of analysis provided the theoretical framework for the study, allowing the researcher to code the data to discover four emerging themes. The themes found included (a) the first-generation college students’ motivation to attend college and their positive experience in applying, (b) emotional coping as a first-generation college student, (c) difficulty adapting to college due to unrealistic expectations, and (d) the importance of a positive support system during the first year of college to cope with unique stressors.
Recommended Citation
Fitz-Gerald, Samantha, "Stress, Coping, and Academic Self-Efficacy in First-Generation College Students" (2017). PCOM Psychology Dissertations. 423.
https://digitalcommons.pcom.edu/psychology_dissertations/423