How Do Parents Achieve Academic Success For Non-First Generation Students?

With an increasing number of 82% of first generation students emerging onto a higher level of education, previous researchers have shown that first-generation students are an increasingly significant force (Hsiao, 1992) in higher education as the first in their families to enter post-secondary colleges or universities. Fan and Chen (2001) and Jenkins (2013) state that first generation students face additional challenges during their first year of college compared to non-first generation students. Ultimately, there are many disadvantages towards achieving academic success and college completion before first year students begin college. In fact, Brown and Welty (2010) found that large groups of students struggle transitioning the first year, due to the demands of academics, new social settings, environmental settings, finances, and career decisions. Sevinc and Gizir (2014) imply that colleges and universities expect students to navigate …show more content…
The perception of parental autonomy support, promotes self-determination, resilience, and a stronger identity. A study conducted by Strage and Brandt (1999) calculated a strong correlation between the support, the demands and the autonomy of parents and positive academics from first year students. Similarly, Schwanz (2014) found evidence in Fass’ and Tubman’s study that examined the relationship between parents and students’ relationships and academic achievement in college. A positive correlation was reported on student-parent relationships in regards to their psychological adjustments. College is, for many first year students, an adjustment. Many students find that the adjustment comes easy, while others find the process to be quite difficult. Researchers have used their theories of student-parent attachments to decide what factors can benefit or inhibited student’s