College
Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences
Date of Last Revision
2024-06-04 07:23:31
Major
Psychology
Honors Course
498
Number of Credits
2
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts
Date of Expected Graduation
Spring 2024
Abstract
The transition from high school to college marks a critical period of adjustment for students, often accompanied by various stressors affecting mental health. Entering adulthood can be a time of identity crisis and emotional vulnerability, and beginning college only adds to existing pressure. This literature review explores multifaceted aspects of first-year college student adjustment, the impact of COVID-19 on universities, predictors of adjustment, and interventions. Emotional, social, and academic adjustment are intertwined with each other, and all significantly influence well-being. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated challenges, leading to heightened stress and decreased social interactions. Establishing connections and support from peers are crucial for social adjustment and decreased loneliness. Not only did depression and anxiety rates increase during the pandemic, but studies are showing a continuing increase in mental health issues and adjustment problems post-pandemic. Factors promoting positive adjustment include sleep, exercise, limited social media use, and parental support. Interventions like mental health screenings and campus support services can facilitate smoother transitions to college life and manage the mental distress of students. Despite certain limitations such as convenience sample or self-report bias along with research gaps regarding intersectionality, the research supports that understanding the complexities of adjustment and implementing proactive strategies are vital for promoting student well-being in higher education.
Research Sponsor
Kevin Kaut
First Reader
Ingrid Weigold
Second Reader
Emily Ethridge
Honors Faculty Advisor
Charles Waehler
Proprietary and/or Confidential Information
No
Recommended Citation
Jones, Tessa, "Adjustment Issues in First-Year College Students" (2024). Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects. 1827.
https://ideaexchange.uakron.edu/honors_research_projects/1827