University Life Research Articles

The Missing Link: Academic Motivation as a Mediator in the Relationship between Mindfulness and Critical Thinking Skills in Indonesian First-Year Undergraduates

Background Critical thinking is essential for university students to deal with academic demands. Preliminary research indicates that first-year undergraduate students in Indonesia have low critical thinking skills, highlighting the importance of developing these skills early to better adapt to university life. Objective This research examined the role of academic motivation as a mediator between mindfulness and critical thinking skills among first-year undergraduate students in Indonesia. Methods Data were collected through e-flyers and questionnaires distributed via social media, using convenience and snowball sampling techniques. The sample included 186 first-year students (aged 18–23, M = 18.9) from the class of 2022. Critical thinking was assessed with the Analog Test, mindfulness was measured using the 15-item Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ-15), and academic motivation was evaluated with the Indonesian Short Version of the Academic Motivation Scale. Pearson correlation and regression analyses were performed. Results The study found a statistically significant indirect effect of mindfulness on critical thinking, mediated by intrinsic academic motivation (β = 0.010, p = 0.027, 95% CI = 0.00065–0.023). While this mediation effect was significant, the effect size was small, suggesting that while mindfulness influenced critical thinking through intrinsic motivation, its practical significance was limited. Conclusion This study highlights that mindfulness predicts critical thinking primarily through intrinsic academic motivation, with no significant direct effect. The small effect size suggests that other factors may also influence this relationship. Further research is needed to identify additional mediators or contextual variables.

Guidelines for Caring for Incapacitated Teachers and Students at Former Jesuit Colleges in Europe.

The aim of this article is to explore the regulations governing the treatment of incapacitated people in former Jesuit colleges in Europe, focusing on the academic staff and students residing in these institutions. This treatment was strongly influenced by the spirituality of Ignatius of Loyola, who perceived disease in dual terms: as an evil to be combated through all available means and as a test of faith from God. Ignatius instructed college superiors to prioritize the care of the sick and appointed specific officers within the community, such as prefects of health, nurses, and pharmacists, while also formulating detailed rules for the care and treatment of the sick. Understanding these principles, which served as a vademecum for nursing practices at the time, provides insights into the daily life of former Jesuit colleges and can serve as inspiration for modern approaches to patient care, particularly emphasizing the importance of attending to their mental well-being.

“Make sure that everybody feels there is a space for them”: Understanding and promoting appearance inclusivity at university.

Appearance concerns are a pervasive issue affecting many university students and contributing to poor psychosocial and academic outcomes. To combat these, action is needed by universities to promote appearance inclusivity. The current study used inductive qualitative methods to explore students’ lived and/or living experiences and concerns relating to their physical appearance and views on how to achieve an appearance inclusive university. Seventeen students aged 19 to 55 from a UK university participated in online semi-structured interviews (n=12) and focus groups (n=5). Thirteen participants were women, three were men, and one was non-binary. Interviews and focus groups were transcribed verbatim and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Students identified several ways appearance concerns had negatively impacted them and supported an increased focus on appearance inclusivity at university. Three themes were developed: 1) appearance has a big impact on my university life; 2) it’s not the same for everyone (i.e., individual differences and intersectionality impact students’ experiences); and 3) intentional change is needed (i.e., change is necessary to improve appearance inclusivity, but it should be consciously thought out). Strategies to improve appearance inclusivity should be prioritised and carefully considered to avoid tokenism and ensure they centre the needs of those from underrepresented groups.

Hidden wounds: unveiling the impact of social ostracism and bullying in university life (comparison of Kazakhstan and Türkiye)

Hidden wounds: unveiling the impact of social ostracism and bullying in university life (comparison of Kazakhstan and Türkiye)

대학 신입생의 자기효능감과 대학생활적응의 관계에서 수업공동체의식의 매개효과

This study examined the mediating effects of classroom community consciousness on the relationship between self-efficacy and college life adaptation of freshmen. To do this, Data were collected from 202 students attending S university in Chungcheong province using self-reported questionnaires from June 12 to 16, 2023. Using SPSS 23, descriptive statistics and correlation coefficients were calculated, and the mediating effects of classroom community consciousness were determined by the multiple regression method. The verification of the significance of indirect effects was conducted through bootstrapping by PROCESS Macro. Main results of the study are as follow. First, the correlations between all variables were significant. Second, classroom community consciousness had a partial mediating effect in the relationship between self-efficacy and college life adaptation. Based on these results, intervention plans were discussed to help adaptation to college life in subject classes for freshmen.

Effect of Sport on academic performance on student-athletes of Obafemi Awolowo University Ile –Ife Osun State in 2011 and 2014 Nuga games

This study examines how participation in sports affects students' academic performance in Obafemi Awolowo University between 2011 and 2014. The study used a mixed-methods approach, analyzing both qualitative information from of student involvements in sports and quantitative data from academic records and questionnaires. The results show a positive relationship between participation in sports and academic success, indicating that students who regularly engage in physical activity have better time management, increased focus, and less stress. The study also looks at how athletics can help develop leadership and teamwork abilities, both of which are advantageous in educational environments. The findings pointed out how crucial it is to involve sports into university life in order to support students' overall development. These observations can help modify university policies around student participation and support systems, advocating for a balanced approach to academic and extracurricular activities.

대학생의 모애착이 대학생활적응에 미치는 영향: 자기위로능력을 통한 완벽주의의 조절된 매개효과

The purpose of this research is to identify the mediating effect of perfectionism and the moderated mediating effect of self soothing ability on the relationship between Mother Attachment and College Life Adjustment in college students. The survey was conducted to 344 college students and data analysis was conducted through SPSS 25 and SPSS PROCESS Macro 3.1. The followings are the main results: First, mother attachment was not correlated with adaptive perfectionism. Second, maladaptive perfectionism partially mediated between mother attachment and college life adjustment. Third, self soothing ability moderated the relationship between mother attachment and maladaptive perfectionism. Fourth, On the relationship between mother attachment and college life adjustment, there was the moderated mediating effect of self soothing ability on the mediating effect of maladaptive perfectionism. Based on the results, the implications and limitations of this study were discussed.

Effects of grit and stress coping style on college life adjustment in nursing student according to the MBTI Personality Types

Effects of grit and stress coping style on college life adjustment in nursing student according to the MBTI Personality Types

고등학교 장애학생 대학생활체험 프로그램에 대한 예비과학교사의 서비스러닝 운영 사례

This paper presents a field research case applying service-learning pedagogy for a university life experience program targeted at high school students with disabilities, conducted at J University in 2022 and 2023. The study involved open-ended surveys and reflective journals from participating high school students, supervising teachers, guardians, and educational support staff (mentors in service-learning). The findings of the study are as follows. The educational satisfaction of students with disabilities who participated in the program was very high. Students were able to experience the possibilities of college admission and career exploration through major experiences, mentoring, and the support of service-learning mentors. The pre-service science teachers who participated as mentors had very high expectations for the program and were satisfied with the class operation. They reported learning new things while preparing to lead and teach students with disabilities, thereby developing core competencies such as sharing, caring, and a sense of community essential for future society. In particular, pre-service science teachers viewed this as a great opportunity to foster mutual benefit in service-learning classes, practical pedagogical content knowledge (PCK), and self-efficacy in their teaching profession. Participants expressed a desire for this program to be a long-term special program at the university, continuing beyond high school graduation as part of transition education for students with disabilities. Moreover, it was suggested that the role of educational support staff should extend beyond ensuring safety and care for students with disabilities to fostering mutual benefit and sustainable development. This study proposes that service-learning is an effective teaching and learning method with long-term benefits.

Tongue-tied: Language-based exclusion at a South African university

The post-apartheid government in South Africa adopted a multilingual education policy to provide education in learners' home languages as a foundation for learning while promoting proficiency in at least two additional official languages. This marked a paradigm shift from the apartheid regime, which was characterised by racial segregation and discrimination, prioritising Afrikaans and English at the expense of indigenous African languages. Although widely celebrated, achieving the multilingual promise ushered in by the democratic dispensation remains a challenge for post-apartheid South African higher education. This study explored students' experiences of language-based discrimination at a selected South African university. Using a qualitative approach, data were collected from 20 purposively sampled final-year students through an open-ended questionnaire that was distributed electronically to students in the Education faculty and analysed thematically. The findings revealed that minority language speakers grappled with feelings of invisibility, alienation, frustration, and exclusion in their academic and social lives, making it difficult for them to engage fully in university life. Various coping mechanisms were also reported, demonstrating the agency of these minority groups; however, these were found to be insufficient. The study thus recommended prioritising inclusive language policies and training that foster lingua-cultural empathy among students and staff, among other things.

Seamless and Long-term Rehabilitation for Supporting Self-management and Return to College Life in a Young Case of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy with Post-resuscitation Encephalopathy：A Case Study

Seamless and Long-term Rehabilitation for Supporting Self-management and Return to College Life in a Young Case of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy with Post-resuscitation Encephalopathy：A Case Study

내현적 자기애 성향 대학생의 대인관계 유능성 향상을 위한 자기자비 프로그램 개발 및 효과

Objectives The purposes of this study is to develop a self-compassion program to improve the competence of college students with covert narcissism tendencies and to verify its effectiveness. Methods For this purpose, applications were received from 20 participants, mainly from universities in the J region, and 10 each were randomly assigned to the experimental group and the control group. The experimental group underwent a self-compassion program twice a week, 90 minutes each session, for a total of 8 sessions. To verify the effectiveness of the program, pre-, post-, and follow-up tests were conducted on the covert narcissism, self-compassion, and interpersonal competence variables. Results First, the self-compassion program was developed according to the program development model procedure, and the content and structure of the program were appropriate to achieve the goal. Second, the self-compassion program alleviated the covert narcissism of college students prone to covert narcissism and improved self-compassion and interpersonal competence. Conclusions It was verified that self-compassion training was helpful for improving interpersonal competence by promoting self-compassion and alleviating covert narcissism among college students with icovert narcissism tendencies who complained of difficulties in interpersonal relationships. Therefore, it is expected that it will have a positive impact not only on the college life of college students with covert narcissism tendencies, but also on their lives as adults in society in the future.

성인대학생의 학습전략이 학업성취도에 미치는 영향: 직무-전공 일치 여부에 따른 조절효과를 중심으로

Objectives The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of learning strategies of university adult students on academic achievement and to verify the moderating effect of job-major match in the relationship. Methods In order to achieve the research purpose, descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and hierarchical regression analysis were conducted on the data collected from 145 first-year students enrolled in the College of Adult Learners at H University, located in the Seoul metropolitan area. The data were based on learning strategy scales and academic achievement gathered from liberal arts courses that were offered and operated to support first-year students' adjustment to university life. Results The results were as follows: First, the five factors that constitute learning strategies, including cognitive strategy, learning motivation, academic anxiety, time management, and resource utilization, all showed statistically significant relationships with academic achievement. Second, the moderating effect of job-major congruence was statistically verified in the relationship between cognitive strategy, learning motivation, and time management among the five components of learning strategies and academic achievement. In the case of academic anxiety and resource utilization, the moderating effect of job-major congruence was found to be statistically insignificant. Conclusions This study examined the relationship between university adult students' learning strategies and academic achievement, and confirmed how the job-major match moderates the relationship. Through this, it was suggested that consideration of current job and major is necessary for learning support for university adult students.

Influence of a chatbot based on a conversational agent on the adaptability of first-year students of a Peruvian private university

ObjectiveThis study aims to evaluate the influence of using a chatbot-based conversational agent, named ODAbot, on the adaptability of first-year students at a private university in Peru.MethodsThe design of this study was pre-experimental with a quantitative approach. The sample consisted of 53 university students who participated in the research during March and April 2024. Participants completed pre-test and post-test questionnaires to assess their adaptability to university life before and after interacting with ODAbot. Additionally, a user experience questionnaire was used to measure satisfaction with the chatbot interaction. Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon test to determine the statistical significance of the results.ResultsThe results showed that the use of ODAbot had a significant impact on students’ adaptability, especially in the social dimension (p = 0.000), while no significant differences were found in the institutional dimension (p = 0.124). The user experience was positive, with students reporting ease of navigation and understanding of the responses provided by the chatbot.ConclusionA notable improvement was recorded in the social dimension, promoting peer integration, as well as in the academic dimension, where students expressed greater satisfaction with the information provided. However, no significant differences were observed in the institutional dimension. Overall, the implementation of chatbots presents a promising opportunity to improve the adaptability of university students and ensure a quality educational experience.

Socio-Demographic Determinants of Junk Food Consumption among University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study in Central Department of Education, TU

College life is a critical period during which students are particularly vulnerable to developing unhealthy dietary behaviors. This study assessed the socio-demographic determinants of junk food consumption (JFC) among higher education students. A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted using a self-administered survey questionnaire among 272 university students studying at the Central Department of Education, TU. The findings revealed that although only six percent of students preferred to consume junk food, a surprisingly high proportion (83.5%) reported consuming it. Peer pressure was mentioned by nearly half of them (47.8%) as the main cause of JFC. Bivariate analysis showed a significant relationship between JFC and selected socio-demographic variables, including sex (p<0.05), subject specialization (p<0.001), and caste/ethnicity (p<0.05). The results indicate a high prevalence of JFC among university students, with socio-demographic factors such as sex, subject specialization, and caste/ethnicity being significantly associated with JFC. To lower the frequency of JFC among university students, the study emphasizes the urgent need for university-based health promotion and education initiatives.

Social and psychological adaptation of disabled and non-disabled students to learning conditions during war time

Introduction. Students’ socio-psychological adaptation to university life is a serious issue due to extreme living conditions under martial law in Ukraine, which directly affect students’ academic performance, as well as to the possible mobilization of male students in senior years of study. Being a student is quite stressful and it is important to explore the factors that contribute to stress and the ways students can cope with stress and maintain their mental well-being. It is important for students to understand who they are in the context of university environment and to feel included in social groups and communities. Aim: to identify the socio-psychological adaptation of disabled and non-disabled students to the conditions of martial law; to explore the relationship between social and psychological characteristics of students with different disabilities. Methods: K. Rogers and R. Diamond Assessment of Socio-Psychological Adaptation (adaptation by A.K. Osnyctkiy, 2004); PSS-10 (Perceived Stress Scale) (Veldbrecht, 2022); latest research findings and surveys. Results. It was found that students with disabilities had higher "maladaptability", lower "self-acceptance", "emotional comfort" and "dominance" than non-disabled students. The disabled students had "rejection of others" and "internality" below the norm. It was found that all adaption indicators were high in students who had been disabled since childhood, while the students with acquired disabilities had high "adaptability" and "dominance". Students with impaired hearing and/or movement disorders had high levels of all adaptation indicators. Conclusion. The findings may allow better understanding of students' personalities and their adaptive abilities in the conditions of the martial law as well as they can be helpful for improvement of educational programs.

Comprehensive Wellness in University Life: An Analysis of Student Services and Their Impact on Quality of Life

Higher education regulatory bodies establish that universities should promote cultural, sports, mental health, and psycho-pedagogical programs. However, these initiatives are usually limited to satisfying minimum quality requirements, without delving into a true promotion of these areas. This study aimed to determine the relationship between university welfare services and students' quality of life. For this purpose, the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Methodology (PLS-SEM) was used with a sample of 253 university students from a Peruvian public university, to whom a questionnaire validated by specialists was applied. The results revealed that dropout and graduation promotion influence emotional well-being, mental health affects emotional well-being, the promotion of university life affects personal, physical, and social well-being, and the lack of scholarships and economic support negatively influences emotional well-being. In conclusion, college wellness services are key to improving the quality of life of college students who are prone to suffering from academic stress and frustration. Received: 2 June 2024 / Accepted: 29 October 2024 / Published: 05 November 2024

온라인 수업을 경험한 간호대학생의 학습몰입과 문제해결능력이 학업성취도에 미치는 영향

This study was conducted to determine the impact of learning immersion and problem-solving ability of nursing students who experienced online classes on academic achievement and to provide basic data for nursing education. Data collection for this study was conducted from April to May 2023 on 156 third and fourth-year nursing students from five universities in City B. The collected data were analyzed using the SPSS 26.0. As a result, there was a significant correlation between learning flow and problem-solving ability, and between learning flow and academic achievement, and problem-solving ability showed a significant correlation with academic achievement. In this study, factors influencing academic achievement include Among the satisfaction with college life, the satisfaction level was ‘satisfaction (β=-.232, p=.014)', ‘average (β=-.409, p<.001)’, ‘dissatisfied (β=-1.268, p<.001)’, and among the online class problems, ‘decreased concentration in class (β=-.236, p=.014)’ and problem-solving ability (β=.303, p<.001) were influential factors. Therefore, it is necessary to develop various curricula and programs to equip nursing students with problem-solving skills, provide them with a successful direction for academic achievement, and ensure a smooth college life.

An Investigatıon of the Adaptation, Physical Activity and Nutrition Habits of First-Year University Students in Online Education

Aim: The COVID-19 pandemic has instigated a profound transformation in the education sector, ushering in comprehensive changes from students' learning habits to the functioning of educational institutions. This study aims to evaluate the adaptations, nutritional habits, and physical activities of first-year university students following the transition to online education. Method: This descriptive cross-sectional study, conducted between April and May 2021, was carried out online with a total of 275 participants. The data collection process involved the utilization of a personal information form developed by the researchers in light of the literature, as well as the Mediterranean Diet Score and University Life Scale. Results: There was no significant difference observed in the Mediterranean diet score and body weight during the university period compared to the pre-university period (p > 0.05). Students living with their families at home demonstrated higher emotional and academic adaptation scores, and those engaging in exercise exhibited significantly higher scores in social adaptation. Conclusion: The pandemic period and the online education process influenced students' supplement usage and dietary habits, but there was no significant change in the exercise participation rate. Furthermore, it was determined that the adjustment to university life, living situation with family, and engagement in exercise had a significant impact on social adaptation.

신입생의 대학 적응을 위한 교육프로그램 프레임워크 개발: A 대학교 재학생을 대상으로

Objectives This study aims to understand the current state of freshman programs at domestic and international universities. It investigates student satisfaction with existing freshman education programs and examines the challenges freshmen face in adapting to university life. The ultimate goal is to analyze these findings to develop a framework for educational programs that facilitate freshmen's adaptation to university. Methods To achieve this, we reviewed prior research on freshman programs and conducted various literature re-views and actual surveys on freshman education programs at domestic and international universities. Based on these, we developed survey questions to assess perceptions of freshman education. Subsequently, we ad-ministered the survey to students at “A” University and analyzed the responses. Based on the findings of this study, we developed a framework for educational programs aimed at facilitating freshmen's adaptation to uni-versity life. Results Freshman programs at domestic and international universities can be broadly categorized into pre-college programs, freshman orientations, and freshman seminars. When surveying satisfaction with freshman education programs, students expressed high satisfaction with education that allowed them to explore their majors or career paths and desired practical information about university life. The support freshmen needed to adapt to university fell into four main categories: interpersonal relationships, academic skills, major-specific learning, and personal development. Based on these findings, this study developed a framework for educational programs to facilitate freshmen's adaptation to university life. Conclusions The educational program framework for freshmen's university adaptation developed in this study can be utilized to create systematic educational programs that help students adapt well to university life.