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What predicts adjustment among college students? A longitudinal panel study
Mary E Pritchard1, Gregory S Wilson, Ben Yamnitz
1Department of Psychology, Boise State University, Boise, Idaho 83725-1715, USA. marypritchard@boisestate.edu
Journal of American College Health : J of ACH
|August 23, 2007
Summary
First-year college students experience significant distress, similar to law and medical students. Optimism and self-esteem improved well-being, while negative coping and perfectionism worsened health outcomes for freshmen undergraduates.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Higher Education Studies
Background:
- First-year law and medical students report significant distress during their initial year.
- The transition to college presents unique challenges for undergraduate freshmen.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the psychological and physical health of undergraduate freshmen during their first year.
- To identify factors influencing student well-being during the college transition.
Main Methods:
- Surveyed 242 undergraduate freshmen at the beginning and end of their first academic year.
- Assessed physical health, alcohol use, smoking, stress, perfectionism, self-esteem, coping strategies, optimism, extroversion, and psychological adaptation.
Main Results:
- Student health and psychological well-being declined over the first year, mirroring trends in law and medical students.
- Negative coping mechanisms and perfectionism correlated with poorer physical health and increased alcohol use.
- Optimism and self-esteem were associated with better physical and psychological outcomes.
Conclusions:
- The transition to college is a period of significant distress for freshmen undergraduates.
- Interventions focusing on stress relief, optimism, and self-esteem may benefit student well-being.
- College administrators should consider proactive support for incoming freshmen.
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