Does Language Background Have an Effect on the Development of Psychological Well-Being Among College Students?

• In Event: Revisiting and Reimagining Identity Development in College Across Diverse Contexts

Abstract

Given the increasing linguistic diversity in the U.S. and the concern on the well-being of students who do not speak English as a native language, this study used data from the Wabash National Study of Liberal Arts Education to examined the effect of being a non-native English speaking (NNES) student on the development of psychological well-being (PWB) during college. Initial results suggested that NNES students had significantly smaller development in PWB compared to their peers. Given that the support for NNES students has been largely focused on English remedial courses, this study may shed light on institution’s efforts to better utilize limited resources and balance language learning and students’ PWB development.

Author

• Jiajun Liu, Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University