First-Generation College Students’ Reports of Academic Self-Concept During the Onset of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly the daily routine of colleges especially those from historically underrepresented backgrounds such first-generation college students. First-generation college students (FGCS) are students with no parent or legal guardian that has completed a four-year degree. These students face significant educational disparities such as college preparedness, academic achievement, and academic persistence. The current study examined how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the academic self-concept of FGCS and whether this impact was moderated by income and/or ethnic identity. Using data from a larger, longitudinal, mixed-methods study, we found that levels of academic self-concept generally decreased during the pandemic, with a significant decrease in math self-concept. However, we failed to find a significant effect of COVID-19 stress on academic self-concept, nor did income or ethnic identity significantly moderate these effects. Future research should look at these effects over a longer longitudinal period and should consider the use of qualitative data to gain a richer understanding of FGCS' experience during this time.
Subject Area
Psychology|Higher education
Recommended Citation
DeJesus-Rodriugez, Ariana, "First-Generation College Students’ Reports of Academic Self-Concept During the Onset of the COVID-19 Pandemic" (2023). ETD Collection for Fordham University. AAI30246994.
https://research.library.fordham.edu/dissertations/AAI30246994
