Continuing-generation Students Research Articles

Identifying, understanding, and supporting diverse first-generation scholars in linguistics

One in three college graduates is in the first generation of their family to complete a bachelor’s degree (NCES 2016), including 27% of doctoral students (CGS 2022) and 28% of tenure-track faculty (Morgan et al. 2022). Although there exists ample diversity of perspective and experience among first-generation students, relative to continuing-generation students, they are more likely to work full-time, care for dependents, and/or contribute to the income of their households. They are also more likely to be older, lower-income, racially minoritized, and to have graduated from community colleges. These factors provide first-generation linguists with unique forms of cultural and symbolic capital that often go undervalued in academia. We demonstrate how faculty can establish effective and nurturing mentoring relationships with first-generation students, how first-generation graduate students and faculty can maintain a work-life balance, and how to use tailor-made case studies to increase the visibility of generation-based educational inequity. Our perspective emphasizes structural barriers over individual shortcomings and uplifts first-generation voices in a variety of academic roles and institutional contexts within linguistics and allied disciplines.

The Cost of Doing Homework: Online Homework Systems with Access Codes from a Social Justice Perspective

The use of online homework systems that require the purchase of an access code has become widespread. The purpose of this study is to examine student experiences with and perceptions of online homework systems with access codes. Postsecondary students (N = 966) completed a survey about the financial costs, perceptions of quality, engagement with, and learning with online homework systems. Most students (79.5%) indicated that they had been required to purchase an access code for an online homework system. Of those who had been required to purchase an access code, 29.4% reported their grade was hurt because they could not afford an access code. Students reported online homework systems were moderately helpful for learning. When considering students who have been historically underserved by higher education, Black students reported more courses with required access codes for homework and reported that online homework systems were more helpful than other students. Latino/a/x students were more likely to report their grades were hurt by not affording access codes (47.9%) than other students. First-generation students reported they avoided courses with online homework systems (36.9%) more than continuing-generation students (23.9%). Overall, the findings indicate that the cost of online homework systems is a barrier to education, and alternatives should be further developed and promoted.

Revisiting College Access and Equity: Perspectives of Continuing-Generation College Students on Their First-Generation Peers

ABSTRACT Although researchers have primarily focused on the experiences of first-generation college students, it is crucial to understand the perspectives of students whose parents have also attended college. We conducted 21 individual interviews with such students to learn about their pre- and during-college perceptions of their first-generation peers. Our findings recommend that higher education professionals engage continuing-generation students in mentorship or ally programs for first-generation students, offer individualized counseling opportunities, and expand financial aid.

Expectations of First-Generation Students and Continuing-Generation Students: How Faculty Can Make a Difference

Faculty have a responsibility in how they set up and manage their classroom environment, positioning them to successfully aid in student persistence and retention. But they are often not included in university initiatives or conversations about the effect their pedagogy has on retention. They may also not see retention as part of their primary or secondary job responsibilities, assuming this is the role of student services or university administration. Good pedagogy requires faculty to create an inviting space where students can come together as a community to learn, and recognizes the unique characteristics of students in the classroom. This study examined differences between first-generation students and continuing-generation students regarding college classroom environments from data collected in late fall 2016. Implications and recommendations for practice are discussed using pedagogical content knowledge and asset-minded teaching strategies as frameworks for student success.

The role of emotional similarity and emotional accuracy in belonging and stress among first-generation and continuing-generation students.

Extensive research has documented the psychological, social, and academic predicament of first-generation college students. However, basic psychological mechanisms underlying the challenges experienced by these students have been understudied. Taking a cultural psychology perspective, the present research considers the role of emotional (mis)match as a key mechanism for explaining first-generation students' lowered well-being. A sample of 344 American undergraduate students completed a survey designed to measure two aspects of emotional processing: (1) Emotional Accuracy - how accurately students perceive emotional reactions of majority-culture students (continuing-generation junior and senior students who have been socialized into college culture), and (2) Emotional Similarity -how similar students' emotions are to the emotions experienced by majority-culture students. Emotional Accuracy predicted positive outcomes, in general, but was lower among first-generation students. Unexpectedly, Emotional Similarity predicted negative student outcomes. As one of the first studies addressing basic psychological mechanisms in college adjustment, these findings underscore the importance of understanding the roles that specific emotional processes play in social adjustment.

First and continuing generation Jewish and Arab-Palestinian female students in Israeli peripheral college: a comparative perspective

ABSTRACT The present study focuses on the characteristics and tendencies of Jewish and Arab-Palestinian female “first-generation students” (FGS) and “continuing-generation students” (CGS). The drastic changes of learning procedures during COVID-19, a time of remote learning and economic crisis, are also examined. COVID-19 had a significant impact on various dimensions of students’ lives worldwide. Additionally, Remote learning has further compounded challenges for minorities and FGS, who already face difficulties balancing work, self-care, and family responsibilities even under regular circumstances. Furthermore, focusing on female students from a gender perspective adds another layer to the analysis, strengthening the understanding of their experience which is already challenged as FGS. These insights are important, not only to optimize preparation for the next crisis, but also to understand the challenges faced by FGS in normal times. In addition, these insights may help to prevent the marginalization of these students who are at risk of dropping out.

How do social and academic integration develop over time? Longitudinal analyses of differences based on students’ sociodemographic background

ABSTRACT Although social and academic integration are considered significant predictors of academic success, little is known about their longitudinal development. In addition, cross-sectional research indicates differences in the integration process based on the sociodemographic background of students, but lacks longitudinal confirmation, especially in Germany. This research gap was addressed by examining students’ integration across three years with measures at four time points (N = 4270) based on data from the National Educational Panel Study (NEPS) in Germany. Longitudinal growth curve analyses were conducted considering interindividual differences between four groups: first-generation students with and without a migration background, and continuing-generation students with and without a migration background. Differences in students’ social and academic integration, measured by several sub-dimensions, partly supported expected advantages for students from academic backgrounds without a migration background, both at the first time point and regarding the longitudinal development. Nevertheless, these differences were small and partly accompanied by non-significant findings highlighting similarities across students. Assumptions about differences between students and implications for future research on the longitudinal development of student integration are discussed.

The cost of being first: Belonging uncertainty predicts math motivation and achievement for first-generation, but not continuing-generation, students

Compared to continuing-generation students, first-generation college students face additional barriers to their sense of belonging in STEM disciplines and at selective institutions. We examined first-generation (N = 1293) and continuing-generation (N = 2150) students' perceptions of belonging uncertainty, math motivation, and math achievement at eight research and comprehensive universities. Results of the multigroup structural equation analyses suggested that first-generation students who had higher belonging uncertainty reported lower success expectancies and higher perceived costs for math. Less adaptive math motivational beliefs, in turn, predicted lower math achievement for first-generation students. For continuing-generation students, belonging uncertainty was unrelated to math expectancies, value, costs, and achievement. The multigroup analyses revealed significant differences in how expectancies and costs mediated the relationship between belonging uncertainty and math achievement for first-generation versus continuing-generation students. Results have implications for narrowing social class equity gaps in selective institutions and diversifying STEM. Educational relevance statementFirst-year college students commonly experience uncertainties about the quality of their relationships and social ties (i.e., belonging uncertainty), particularly in competitive academic environments. We examined belonging uncertainty, motivational beliefs, and achievement among first-time, first-year students enrolled in a math course in eight competitive higher education institutions. Findings revealed that for first-generation students, compared to continuing-generation students, belonging uncertainty more negatively and strongly predicted math motivation, and in turn, math achievement. These findings highlight the importance of designing belonging interventions that particularly support first-generation students' college experience as uncertainties about belonging had more negative consequences for this population. Our research has implications for narrowing equity gaps between first-generation and continuing-generation students in selective universities.

A Qualitative Thematic Analysis of First-Generation College Students’ Help-Seeking Attitudes, Decisions, and Behaviors

First-generation college students (FGCS) are significantly less likely to complete degrees compared to continuing-generation students. Among the multifaceted causes for this disparity, many FGCS possess limited social and cultural capital in academia, resulting in lower rates of help-seeking and resource utilization. In this study, we conducted an in-depth qualitative investigation to better understand FGCS's help-seeking attitudes, decisions, and behaviors. Twenty-five first-year FGCS at a 4-year, regional, public university participated in individual interviews. A faculty–student team analyzed interview data using reflective thematic analysis. Our findings demonstrate that FGCS were highly strategic about help-seeking, weighing potential costs and benefits. Though they valued self-sufficiency, FGCS sought support when they identified tangible problems and solutions, when potential providers were accessible and had clearly designated roles, and when helpers conveyed personal interest, empathy, and nonjudgment. These results support several recommendations for policy and practice, including critical consciousness, peer mentoring, and difference-education interventions.

Mental health problems in first‐generation university students: A scoping review

AbstractDespite growing concern about mental health problems in university students and increasing recognition that first‐generation university students (FGS) may face additional challenges, there has been no previous attempt to map the existing research on FGS mental health. The aim of this scoping review was to elicit current understanding of mental health problems in FGS from the literature. Following database searches and screening, 40 peer‐reviewed articles were included in the scoping review. Findings from these studies were synthesised for: types of mental health problems in FGS; prevalence of mental health problems in FGS compared to continuing‐generation students (CGS); factors associated with mental health problems in FGS; effects of mental health problems on FGS; help‐seeking for mental health problems in FGS; and interventions. Significant gaps were highlighted and recommendations made for future research, particularly outside the United States. True commitment to widening participation demands much more research on mental health problems in FGS to ensure that they thrive not just arrive. Context and implications Rationale for this studyThe aim of this scoping review was to map the existing international research on mental health problems in first‐generation university students (FGS).Why do the new findings matter?The scoping review synthesises findings from 40 empirical studies published in peer‐reviewed journals, giving valuable insights into mental health problems in FGS and highlighting significant gaps in our understanding.Implications for higher education researchers and universitiesThe findings of the scoping review are a call to action for future research in this field. More studies are needed, particularly outside the United States, using a variety of research designs to gain a more comprehensive understanding of mental health problems in FGS. This research should be prioritised so that universities are provided with evidence‐based recommendations to mitigate and/or address mental health problems in FGS, thereby helping to ensure that they thrive in higher education.

A systematic review of first-generation college students’ mental health

Objective: To synthesize peer-reviewed research on first-generation college students’ mental health. Methods: Systematic searches were conducted in 4 databases through 2022 to identify empirical, peer-reviewed, and published articles on first-generation college student anxiety, depression, stress and mental health. Results: Across 62 papers, first-generation college students appeared to experience heightened anxiety, depression and stress when academic activities and social relationships conflicted rather than aligned with interdependent norms. Importantly however, when these negative mental health outcomes were measured generally – without reference to a specific domain (i.e., academic or social) – nearly all papers found no significant differences between first- and continuing-generation students. Conclusions: The findings further emphasized the need for understanding mental health within specific contexts.

Mental health among first-generation college students: Findings from the national Healthy Minds Study, 2018-2021.

A mounting body of evidence reveals that college mental health outcomes are worsening over time. That said, little is known about the mental health needs of the nearly eight million first-generation students in U.S. postsecondary education. The present study uses population-level data from the national Healthy Minds Study to compare prevalence of mental health symptoms and use of services for first-generation and continuing-generation students from 2018-2021. The sample includes 192,202 students at 277 campuses, with 17.3% being first-generation. Findings reveal a high prevalence of mental health symptoms among both first-generation and continuing-generation students. Controlling for symptoms, FG students had significantly lower rates of mental health service use. Just 32.8% of first-generation students with symptoms received therapy in the past year, relative to 42.8% among continuing-generation students, and this disparity widened during the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings have important implications for the design and implementation of higher education policies, mental health delivery systems, college persistence and retention initiatives, and public health efforts in school settings.

Who gets to see themselves as talented? Biased self-concepts contribute to first-generation students' disadvantage in talent-focused environments

Intellectual talent is commonly regarded as an important factor for success – i.e., “what it takes to succeed” in Western educational contexts. Yet, the differential experiences individuals have may not allow everyone to think of themselves as talented - i.e., as having “what it takes to succeed” - to the same degree. In five studies with 3584 students in Western countries, we show i) that first-generation students see themselves as less intellectually talented than continuing-generation students, ii) that this bias in self-concept contributes to disadvantages in their academic experience and engagement, and iii) how this disadvantage may be reduced.Quasi-experiments 1a and b (N = 694; 316) show that first-generation students view themselves as relatively less talented, but not less diligent, above and beyond prior performance-levels. Field and experimental Studies 2a-b (N = 1881; 362) show that this bias in students' talent self-concept contributes to disadvantage in first-generation students' academic experience and engagement. Experiment 3 (N = 331) suggests that talent self-concept bias is most consequential in talent-focused environments. If, however, environments emphasize effort, disadvantages connected to talent self-concepts are mitigated.The experiences first-generation students have in current Western environments seem to make them see themselves as relatively less talented, contributing to disadvantage. Creating effort-focused environments can reduce this disadvantage and promote equality.

Graduate Program Considerations: Which Factors Matter to Students?

Graduate enrollment rates are increasing, but research investigating which factors matter in the decision process is lacking. The results of this quantitative study suggest that first-generation students and students of Color interested in educational counseling and student affairs approach the master’s college choice process differently than continuing-generation students and White students. Program characteristics, personal factors, ease of entrance, input from others, and benefits to others emerged as important features of the process for historically marginalized student groups. Implications for practice and research are discussed which include examining admissions policies and program structures.

Academic performance and adjustment of first-generation students to higher education: A systematic review

Scholarly work conducted before 2010 consistently reported a gap between first-generation and continuing-generation students in college success, as measured by grades, persistence, and graduation rates. Through a systematic literature review, this study aimed to examine the most recent findings, from 2010 until 2020, regarding the academic adjustment process of first-generation students to higher education institutions and the institutional factors that help them in the process. The results report lower performance of first-generation (FG) students and compared to that of continuing-generation (CG) students and measured by grades and persistence. When looking at other variables, such as learning outcomes, intellectual development, learning skills, integration and engagement with the academic environment, we find scarce and mixed evidence. There is also an increased interest in the academic process, and not just in describing academic outcomes of first-generation students. These findings suggest that interventions promoting social belonging, support from peers, parents´ involvement and a welcoming campus climate should be fostered by institutions interested in the access and graduation of FG students.

The Impact of Education Abroad Participation on College Student Success Among First-Generation Students

ABSTRACT This study utilized the large-scale, multi-institutional CASSIE dataset to examine the impact of education abroad participation on academic outcomes for first-generation college students. Using robust multivariate matching methodology that effectively minimized self-selection bias, results showed the magnitude of benefit offered by studying abroad was greater for first-generation students than for continuing-generation students. Even after matching on a variety of background and prior achievement variables, first-generation students who studied abroad had higher 4- and 6-year graduation rates, had higher cumulative GPA scores, and took less time to graduate—relative to first-generation students who did not study abroad. These findings suggest that education abroad programming can be leveraged as a high-impact educational practice to promote college completion rates among first-generation students.

Basic Needs Insecurity Among First-Generation Community College Students With Disabilities During the COVID-19 Pandemic

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to examine whether first-generation students with disabilities at community colleges experience different rates in food and housing insecurity compared to their peers during the COVID-19 pandemic. First-generation students with multiple disabilities, a psychological disorder, another disability or medical condition not offered in the survey, and chronic illness had increased odds of experiencing food and housing insecurity; first-generation students with physical disabilities and cognitive, learning, or neurological disorders or disabilities had increased odds of experiencing food insecurity; and continuing-generation students with multiple disabilities also had increased odds of experiencing food and housing insecurity.

Exploring choices in higher education: Female and male first-generation students’ trajectories from study aspiration to study satisfaction in Germany

Previous studies have pointed out that first-generation students, continuing-generation students and female and male students differ concerning trajectories into and through higher education regarding study program choices and satisfaction. Studies focused on single time points in students’ educational trajectories and mainly emanated from the United States. In order to facilitate a longitudinal comparison of students’ study program aspirations and choices, as well as study satisfaction and dropout intentions, we analyzed panel data from the German National Educational Panel Study (NEPS), consisting of 1,694 students. We modeled the influence of gender (female, male) and generational status (first-generation, continuing-generation) with multinomial logit regression models. Results show that students’ aspirations and choices did not significantly differ concerning generational status whereas gender differences were confirmed once again. Generational status did not reveal significant differences concerning study satisfaction and dropout intentions, whereas differences concerning gender revealed that female students were significantly more satisfied with their studies than male students. Based on our findings, we point out the importance of early counseling and other support to compensate gender differences in study program aspirations and choices. Further research is needed to explore reasons for our findings showing equal aspirations and choices of first- and continuing-generation students, which are opposed to previous studies’ findings.

COVID-19 Impact and Psychological Adjustment Among College Students: Variability Across Race/Ethnicity and Generational Status

ABSTRACT College students (N = 619) self-reported psychological and resource impact of COVID-19, self-esteem, and depressive symptoms. Greater COVID-19 impact was associated with more depressive symptoms and lower self-esteem. First-generation students reported greater resource-related COVID-19 impact. Among continuing-generation students, Black students reported greater resource impact than White students. The positive association between economic COVID-19 impact and depressive symptoms was stronger for Black first-generation students than for White first-generation students or White continuing-generation students. The positive association between COVID-19 psychological impact and depressive symptoms was particularly strong among continuing-generation White students and was stronger among first-generation White students than continuing-generation Black students.

Novel Perspectives on Adversity Exposure, Stress Responding, and Academic Retention Among First- and Continuing-Generation Students

First-generation college students are less likely to complete their degrees than continuing-generation students, in part due to experiences of educational and socioeconomic adversity. Accounting for adversity and its downstream implications is likely to suggest new interventions that promote resilience and retention of these students. We propose a novel model in which the influence of adversity on long term academic outcomes acts through indicators of stress responding, then through academic avoidance behaviors. The strength of this pathway depends upon both a cognitive processing characteristic that affects stress responding—trait rumination—and levels of enacted family support during college. This perspective suggests specific targets for intervention that include decreasing levels of rumination, increasing levels of family support, and decreasing academic avoidance behaviors for all students, but might be particularly relevant to first-generation students.