The Effects of Persistence, Grit, and Perseverance on Underrepresented Students in STEM Education

• In Event: Stressors in the Lives of Students

Abstract

Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) occupy a significant place in education research due to its perceived importance. Despite this importance, issues exist in attempts to reduce attrition of minoritized students through STEM courses. Historically underrepresented students in STEM often experience biopsychosocial pressures (e.g. academic pressures (AP) and social pressures (SP)) from demands to show persistence, grit, and perseverance (PGP). The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of increased demands for PGP. Results illustrate a complex positive feedback loop between allostatic load psychosocial pressures, and PGP. This study helps to bridge our understanding of how PGP influences socio-emotional well-being of our students. This study also discusses structural supports in the classroom for our most vulnerable students.

Authors

• Richard Lamb, East Carolina University

• Douglas Hoston, Buffalo State College – SUNY