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ERIC Number: EJ1056792
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2015-Mar
Pages: 15
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1938-8926
EISSN: N/A
The Effects of Generational Status and University Environment on Latina/o Undergraduates' Persistence Decisions
Aguinaga, Arellys; Gloria, Alberta M.
Journal of Diversity in Higher Education, v8 n1 p15-29 Mar 2015
This study examined the importance of identity and cultural fit within the university on Latina/o undergraduates' academic persistence decisions. The psychosociocultural model (Gloria & Rodriguez, 2000) provided a framework for the study in which 128 Latino/a students' generational level in the United States, cultural congruity, perceptions of the university environment, ethnic identity, and cultural orientation were explored relative to academic persistence decisions. Although each of the model's dimensions collectively informs students' educational experiences, the cultural dimension was emphasized to better understand its role for Latino/a undergraduates within higher education. Specifically, results of 3 mediating analyses supported the mediating role of university environment on academic persistence for students with an Anglo orientation, but not for those with a Mexican orientation. Similarly, results from 3 moderator analyses revealed a moderating role of generational level in the United States for Latina/o undergraduates with a Mexican orientation and a stronger ethnic identity, but not for those with an Anglo orientation. Overall, student services personnel should focus on meaning and adherence to values for first-generation students and sense of university cultural fit for second-generation plus students in addressing academic persistence decisions. Additional practice implications for student services personnel in higher education and directions for further research are discussed.
American Psychological Association. Journals Department, 750 First Street NE, Washington, DC 20002. Tel: 800-374-2721; Tel: 202-336-5510; Fax: 202-336-5502; e-mail: order@apa.org; Web site: http://www.apa.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Assessments and Surveys: Acculturation Rating Scale for Mexican Americans
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A