Expanding Nora's Student Engagement Model: An Exploratory Study Using Attachment Theory

• In Event: AERA Poster Session 9
  In Poster Session: Individual and Contextual Factors Affecting Child and Adolescent Development

Abstract

Secure attachment type is emphasized to have educational benefits of fostering positive college experience. The link between degree attainment and student’s attachment type is understudied utilizing a strength-based approach. The purpose of this study was to examine college graduation and attachment type by expanding Nora’s (2003) Student Institution/Engagement model. The present study uses Wave 5 of the National Longitudinal Survey of Freshmen (N = 2,932) dataset. Results in Model 1 and 2 indicate that students who reported having a secure attachment to their mothers improve the student’s chances of graduating within 4 years. When familial sense of belonging was included in Model 3, attachment was no longer significant but continued to have a positive relationship with degree attainment.

Authors

• NANCY E CASTELLON, The University of Texas - San Antonio

• Melissa Shiplett-Jupe, The University of Texas - San Antonio

• Laurel Cook, The University of Texas - San Antonio