First-Generation Students' Perceptions of Relational Support

Haley R. Parker
Dr. Julene Ensign and Dr. Nancy Daley-Moore, Faculty Mentors

First-generation students face unique challenges when compared to continuing-generation students. For example, these students face increased mental health issues. Previous research suggests the importance of developing strong peer connections as a mediating factor (Noel et al., 2023). Due to differences in undergraduate backgrounds, identifying relationships between factors that specifically affect first-generation students is crucial when determining interventions to promote wellness for all undergraduates. Therefore, a midwestern undergraduate university surveyed freshman students to identify their wellness perceptions, including relational wellness. Two open-ended questions provided qualitative data related to factors that facilitated or inhibited their wellness. Findings related to relational wellness responses (n = 23) from first-generation students indicated that 81% preferred spousal and/or peer connections as a primary source for emotional support over parental relationships. Further research is needed to determine why peer/spousal relationships are the preferred form of support among first-generation students.

Keywords: first-generation, wellness, relationships

Topic(s):Health Science
Exercise Science

Presentation Type: Oral Presentation

Session: TBA
Location: TBA
Time: TBA