Motivation Profile, College Integration, and Intention to Persist Among First-Generation College Students

• In Event: The Influence of High-Impact Practices on Student Success

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to investigate the relationship between academic motivation, college integration, and intention to persist in college among first-generation college students (FGCS). Data from 537 FGCS were collected at two 4-year institutions in the United States. Results of a Latent Profile Analysis (LPA) suggested two distinct motivation profiles existed among the FGCS sample. The first class consisted of individuals experiencing high levels of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation and a low level of amotivation (High Motivation group; 88%). The second class consisted of individuals experiencing moderate to high levels of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation and a high level of amotivation (High Amotivation group; 12%). Potential implications for educators and researchers are discussed.

Authors

• Chia-Lin Tsai, University of Northern Colorado

• Samantha Estrada, University of Texas - Tyler

• Lisa Flores, University of Missouri