The Role of Personality and Institutional Integrity in College Student Thriving

• In Event: Fostering a Supportive Campus Environment: Understanding Social Integration From Multiple Perspectives

Abstract

This study examined the role of personality characteristics and perceptions of institutional commitment to students in college students’ ability to thrive. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis was used to identify the significant predictors of college student thriving, a holistic approach to student success that emphasizes intellectual, social, and psychological engagement and well-being (Schreiner, 2010). Students’ personality, defined by the Big Five personality factors of Extraversion, Openness, Emotional Stability, Agreeableness, and Conscientiousness (Gosling, Renfrow, & Swan, 2003), explained 36% of the variance in thriving levels. Students’ perceptions of institutional integrity, defined as mission congruence embodied in the actions of faculty, staff, and public communications (Braxton, Hirschy, & McClendon, 2004), accounted for an additional 7.1% of the variation in thriving.

Authors

• Laurie A. Schreiner, Azusa Pacific University

• Neil Best, Geneva College

• Brian Jaworski, Azusa Pacific University