The adjustment of first- and non-first-generation students during their first year

[摘要] English: This study explored adjustment among students from different generational groups during their first year at university. The specific aim of this research study was to investigate the differences in adjustment between first- and non-first-generation students during their first year at university. Furthermore, the perceptions of students regarding various adjustment issues were explored. A mixed-methods research approach was employed. The sample group consisted of 122 first-year students. In the quantitative section of the study, a biographical questionnaire and the Student Adaptation to College Questionnaire were used to measure the students' levels of adjustment, specifically with regard to aspects of their academic, social, and personal-emotional adjustment. The adjustment levels of first-generation and non-first-generation students were determined, and it was found that both groups portrayed relatively moderate levels of adjustment. Analyses of variance indicate that first-generation students reported significantly higher levels of personal-emotional adjustment than the non-first-generation students did. In the qualitative section of the study, six semi-structured individual interviews were conducted to explore the perceptions students from different generational groups had regarding their adjustment during their first year at university. The themes emerging from both generational groups were very similar. These themes included students' adjustment challenges regarding having to leave their home environment and entering a culturally diverse university environment. Challenges with regard to social adjustment (such as finding a new support system) and academic adjustment (such as struggling with a higher workload, time pressure, and academic expectations) were numerous. In facing these demands, students were prompted to find new ways of coping (such as accepting personal responsibility and finding independence).

[发布机构] University of the Free State