Student Failure and Social Maladjustment

Abstract

The literature suggests that among the complex factors differentiating academically failing from succeeding university students are those of unsatisfactory social habits. The hypotheses that unsuccessful students show an inadequate personal‐social orientation and that the underlying dimensions may be identified by factor analysis were tested using 2 criterion groups, each of 64 full‐time Australian university students. The California Test of Personality, with additional biographical items, was administered. The hypotheses were confirmed. Empirical analysis of results showed that Failing students may be classified in overlapping sub‐groups demonstrating heterogeneous characteristics summarized as (a) extraverted over‐reactivity, (b) low study motivation, and (c) social maladjustment; i.e., inadequate social habits rather than neurotic symptoms. Factor analysis points to a “failing orientation” which may be attributed to a sub‐cultural clash between social skills, habits and attitudes learned in the home, and those appropriate in the academic environment.