Attachment and coping as theoretical frameworks for understanding adjustment to university for local and international students

Title
Attachment and coping as theoretical frameworks for understanding adjustment to university for local and international students
Publication Date
2007
Author(s)
Healy, Martin
Hussain, Rafat
Editor
Editor(s): Terrence Hays and Rafat Hussain
Type of document
Conference Publication
Language
en
Entity Type
Publication
Publisher
Australian College of Educators
Place of publication
Deakin West, Australia
UNE publication id
une:4120
Abstract
For most students, coming to university is among their first major life transitions, presenting them with many adaptational demands for which they may or may not be adequately prepared. Theoretical views of stress and coping would suggest that adjustment to university will be influenced by individual resources for coping,their social resources and the adaptational demands of the new environment. Attachment theory and research, on the other hand, would suggest that early attachment experiences help shape internal working models that determine how individuals view themselves and their expectations in adolescence and beyond. A secure attachment base allows individuals to explore new situations with the internal resources to evaluate and cope with the anxiety inherent in such new situations. Peer relationships during this transition period are seen as an extension of the form and quality of those relationships within the family. There is debate in the literature as to the applicability of attachment theory across cultures, with much of the contemporary research focused on western populations. Student attrition is a major area of concern for universities. Helping students successfully make the adjustment is of primary importance in addressing a large part of the reasons for attrition. Academic factors explain only a small proportion of the reasons for students leaving university. A greater understanding of the role of attachment relationships and coping style in adjustment to university by both local and international students will help to better inform the design of appropriate interventions and support structures for students.
Link
Citation
Bridging the Gap between Ideas and Doing Research: Proceedings of the Inaugural Postgraduate Research Conference, p. 148-167
ISBN
9781920819231
Start page
148
End page
167

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