Belonging and Utility Value of First-Year Interest Group College Students: A Factor Mixture Model

• In Event: Moscone Center North Roundtable Session 16
  In Roundtable Session: Factors Shaping Sense of Belonging in College

Abstract

Although research on sense of belonging among college learning communities has increased, few studies have investigated how belonging interacts with motivational constructs and together influence students’ academic outcomes that are key to college success. The current study adopted a person-centered approach (i.e., factor mixture model) to identify different classes comprised of sense of belonging and utility value among college students (N = 1,806) who participated in a First-year Interest Group (FIG) at a large public research university. Specifically, this study examined how different classes link to students’ academic outcomes. Results revealed four classes and the GPA varied by different classes. Implications and findings are discussed in relation to expectancy-value theory and potential utility value intervention.

Authors

• Shengjie Lin, Yale University

• Man Chen, University of Texas at Austin

• Laura Costello, University of Texas - Austin

• Lisa Valdez, The University of Texas at Austin