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Updated: Sep 18, 2025
13:57
Assessing the Multiple Dimensions of Engagement to Characterize Learning: A Neurophysiological Perspective
Published on: July 1, 2015
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Associations Between Social Functioning and Indicators of University Student Engagement
Marco Turi1, Rocco Servidio2, Giovanna Esposito3
1Department of Human and Social Studies, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy.
Summary
University students with social functioning difficulties report more learning challenges and psychological distress, impacting academic engagement. Identifying these profiles is crucial for developing targeted support in higher education.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Education
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Background:
- Social functioning difficulties are often underestimated in university students.
- Limited research addresses the impact of social adaptation on academic performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- Identify distinct profiles of social functioning difficulties in university students.
- Examine associations between these profiles and academic engagement, learning difficulties, and psychological distress.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional web-based survey of 540 undergraduate students.
- Utilized Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS-2), Student Academic Engagement Scale (SAES), Vinegrad Plus, GAD-7, and PHQ-9.
- Latent profile analysis (LPA) identified two profiles: non-social functioning difficulties and social functioning difficulties.
Main Results:
- Two profiles emerged: non-social functioning difficulties (57.6%) and social functioning difficulties (42.4%).
- Students with social functioning difficulties reported higher learning challenges, anxiety, and depression (p < 0.001).
- The non-social functioning difficulties profile demonstrated higher academic engagement.
Conclusions:
- Social functioning difficulties significantly impact university students' academic engagement, learning, and mental well-being.
- Distinct profiles highlight varying needs within the student population.
- Tailored support systems are essential in higher education to address these challenges.
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