Date of Graduation

8-2018

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Communication (MA)

Degree Level

Graduate

Department

Communication

Advisor/Mentor

Aloia, Lindsey S.

Committee Member

Warren, Ron

Second Committee Member

Amason, Patricia

Keywords

Adjustment to College; Family Cohesion; Relationship Maintenance Strategies; Stress

Abstract

This study examined the effects of family cohesion and relationship maintenance behaviors on students’ experience of stress during the adjustment to college. One hundred and ninety-eight first-year college students completed measures assessing family cohesion; relationship maintenance behaviors expressed within their family systems; and academic, social, and personal-emotional stress. Results indicated that family cohesion is significantly and negatively related to students’ experiences of academic, social, and personal-emotional stress. Further, hierarchical regression and structural equation modeling provided insight to the additive influence of relationship maintenance behaviors on student stress. Analyses provided limited support for a mediation model, however, results demonstrated the importance of both family cohesion and relationship maintenance behaviors on academic, social, and personal-emotional stress during students’ transitions to college.

Download

Share

COinS