Publication Date

2020

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

First Advisor

Clucas Walter, Melissa

Degree Name

M.S. (Master of Science)

Legacy Department

School of Family and Consumer Sciences

Abstract

This study explored the connections between family interaction patterns in a student’s family of origin and how those interactions related to their adjustment to college as defined by grade point average and mental health. The college transition stands out as a point where the individual gains more autonomy. Successfully completing college positively impacts the life chances of the student and thus, it is important to understand how the family of origin can positively or negatively impact the student. This research examined family cohesion and flexibility as outlined by Olson’s Circumplex model, and the effect that family interaction patterns have on the student as they transition away from the family of origin and into undergraduate study. 43 freshmen completed a survey about their family interaction patterns and mental health. GPA data was collected from the Registrar at the end of the student’s first semester of college. It was anticipated that the health of a family’s interaction patterns would impact both the student’s mental health and Grade Point Average (GPA). The results were more nuanced, as a family interaction patterns influenced student mental health but not GPA. Despite this, there are indicators that point to the importance of exploring family interaction patterns and the necessity of studying a student’s adjustment to college at a more granular level than just mental health and GPA. Continuing to explore how family systems impact individuals during transitions is a key way to determine what impacts the individual as they move through life.

Extent

82 pages

Language

eng

Publisher

Northern Illinois University

Rights Statement

In Copyright

Rights Statement 2

NIU theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from Huskie Commons for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without the written permission of the authors.

Media Type

Text

Download

Share

COinS