Reference: Garriott, P. O., Hudyma, A., Keene, C., & Santiago, D. (2015). Social cognitive predictors of first- and non-first-generation college students’ academic and life satisfaction. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 62(2), 253-263. Do you know someone who is the first in their family to attend college? What unique challenges might they face that affect their academic and personal satisfaction? Researchers studied a sample of over 400 college students, half being first-generation students. The researchers assessed these students’ psychological factors such as self-efficacy or believing one can succeed, academic goal setting, social support, and a sense of belonging to see which could most affect the students’ academic and personal success. Results? The strongest predictor of academic satisfaction for both groups believing they could succeed. For first-generation students’ academic goal setting predicted life satisfaction. However, what influenced non-first-generation students' academic and life satisfaction the most was a strong support system and feeling connected within the college community. These findings highlight the importance of addressing each student population’s unique needs. First-generation students may benefit from helping them build self-efficacy and academic goal setting. Yet non-first-generation students benefit more from initiatives that foster social support and create an inclusive campus environment. Understanding different student needs can help universities and counseling services better support all students to enhance their overall college experience and promote student success.

Written by Jarret Bain B.S.