Research has long suggested that an optimal level of involvement in academic and social activities positively affects student development and outcomes. However, many second-year students experience the "sophomore slump." For this study, guided by both prior literature and theoretical perspectives, a survey instrument was developed to…

Despite the considerable growth of the international student population, positive aspects of their experience have received little attention. The current study combines a Critical Incident Technique methodology and a positive psychology lens to explore the cross-cultural transition of seven international students, focusing on facilitative factors,…

The influences of course effort and outside (family, job, social) activities on grades earned in a college course were examined for 230 urban college students. Multiple measurements of hours of work, social and family activities, and course effort were collected over a semester. Path modeling revealed that cumulative GPA and course effort had…

Examined alienation of international students from university life among 600 international students. Found that alienation could be predicted on the basis of social contact, graduate status, and geographical home region. Results suggest that international students at high risk for alienation are non-European undergraduates who spend little time…

The role of peer counselors has become increasingly important as time and resources of professional counselors grow scarce. One midwestern institution recruited peer counselors to conduct a training program on the issues of intimacy. Students who participated in the program had favorable attitudes toward the peer counselors. (BF)

The researcher surveyed 497 graduate international students at a research university regarding their social patterns. Previous research indicates that they benefit from interactions with Americans. Students who socialized with Americans the most functioned comfortably in the American culture, socialized with students from other countries, and…

Late adolescents' precollege concerns (n=70) about losing existing relationships and making new friendships were found to be significant mediating variables between self-esteem and the satisfaction of involvement in precollege and new college friendships 10 weeks into the first semester of college. (JBJ)