An Examination of Factors Predicting College Connectedness During a National Pandemic

Abstract

The feeling of connectedness with others in society reduces suicide, improves well-being, and enhances effective learning (Jones et al., 2022; Jorgenson et al., 2018). This study examined possible variables contributing to campus connectedness (CC) among students and if such connectedness decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic. We hypothesized that emotional stability, self-efficacy for initiating conversation, extraversion, and participation in an honor society would positively predict CC. We also expected CC scores to decrease due to the COVID-19 pandemic. To test these hypotheses, we distributed an online questionnaire to Orange Coast College students as part of the 2021-22 Psi Beta National Research Project. Measures included Campus Connectedness, Interpersonal Communication Efficacy Scales, and the Ten Item Personality Inventory (TIPI). The project received 1,412 useful responses from community college students nationwide. First, a comparison of CC scores from the current questionnaire and a pre-pandemic study found a decrease in CC. Next, multiple regression analysis indicated that all hypothesized variables, except extraversion, were significant predictors for CC, collectively accounting for approximately 15% of CC variability. Further regression analyses revealed that self-efficacy for initiating conversation significantly mediated the relationship between extraversion and CC. Lastly, participation in an honor society significantly increased CC. Based on our findings, colleges may want to find ways to increase campus connectedness by helping students increase their confidence in initiating conversation and encouraging them to participate in honor societies or other campus organizations.