Differences in self-reported disclosure of college experiences by first-generation college student status.
Disclosure of stressful life experiences is described here as a potential means of stress reduction and as a potential indicator of available support. This study compared reports of the disclosure of college experiences by college freshmen (N = 1,539). Using a student survey conducted at four universities across the country, disclosure by first-generation student status was compared. The targets of students' disclosure, including family, friends from home, friends at school, and professionals at school also were examined. Differences by first-generation status were found in disclosure and the targets of disclosure. Implications include first-generation college students' need for increased opportunities to disclose stressful college-related experiences to others.
College of Professional Studies, University of West Florida, Pensacola, FL 32514, USA.
Leasha M
LM
Barry
Cynthia
C
Hudley
Melissa
M
Kelly
Su-Je
SJ
Cho
D000124:Achievement; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D003625:Data Collection; D005006:Ethnicity / Q000523:psychology; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D033062:Friends / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008016:Life Change Events; D008297:Male; D012650:Self Disclosure; D012933:Social Identification; D012944:Social Support; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult