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Cited by 106Student Stress and CopingHigher Education Research StudiesResilience and Mental Health

Factors Promoting Positive Adaptation and Resilience during the Transition to College

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Leary, Kevin A., DeRosier, Melissa E.·2012·Psychology
DOI 10.4236/psych.2012.312a180
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Abstract

The transition to college can be a difficult time as students adjust to new social and academic demands while adapting to new living circumstances in a collegiate environment. The ability of students to cope with the stress of such a transition and display positive outcomes despite challenges has important implications for psychosocial well-being as well as academic success. The present study examined the relative impact of four domains that have been shown to promote resilience in the face of stress in order to determine the extent to which each factor predicted student stress independent of all other factors. First-year college students from four universities completed measures assessing their perceived level of stress as well as their social connectedness, self-care behaviors, cognitive style, and life skills. Results revealed that social support and cognitive styles characterized by optimism significantly and uniquely predicted lower stress among students. Findings are discussed in relation to the development of university-based programs to promote the skills and characteristics that are most likely to result in positive outcomes for students during the transition to college.

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Authors
Leary, K. A., & DeRosier, M. E.
Affiliations
3C Institute (US)
Corresponding author
Leary, Kevin A.
ORCID
DeRosier, Melissa E.
Venue
Psychology
Publisher
Scientific Research Publishing, Inc.
Published
2012
Volume
03
Issue
12
Pages
1215-1222
ISSN
  • 2152-7180 (ISSN-L)
  • 2152-7199
DOI
10.4236/psych.2012.312a180
OpenAlex
W1967659211
Cited by
106
References
64
Citations by year
2026: 7 · 2025: 9 · 2024: 10 · 2023: 10 · 2022: 13 · 2021: 10 · 2020: 7 · 2019: 10 · 2018: 6 · 2017: 8 · 2016: 9 · 2015: 2 · 2014: 2 · 2013: 3
FWCI
4.51
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
Psychology (publishedVersion, cc-by)
Funders
  • Andrew W. Mellon Foundation
  • Heinz Endowments
  • Carnegie Mellon University
  • Jewish Healthcare Foundation
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Developmental and Educational Psychology › Student Stress and Coping
  • Social Sciences › Education › Higher Education Research Studies
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Resilience and Mental Health
Keywords
transition to college, resilience, first-year college students, perceived stress, social connectedness, social support, self-care behavior, cognitive style, optimism, life skills, psychosocial well-being, academic performance

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