Date of Graduation

8-2018

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Communication (MA)

Degree Level

Graduate

Department

Communication

Advisor/Mentor

Lindsey Aloia

Committee Member

Ron Warren

Second Committee Member

Trish Amason

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.

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