Causal Attributions of Academic Struggles Among First-Generation Latina/o Students and Their Influence on Motivational Variables

• In Event: Centering Understudied Populations and Contexts in Motivation Research

Abstract

While college enrollment among Latina/o students is increasing, graduation rates for this group remain low, indicating a need to explore factors contributing to their persistence. From the perspective of attribution theory, we examined students’ explanations for their academic struggles and its influence on their motivation to persist to degree completion. Utilizing data from a large online survey, we found that lower levels of determination, optimism and self-efficacy to achieve goals were affected by circumstances that the students perceived were beyond their control. These findings emphasize the importance of universities creating programs that shape students’ beliefs that success is within reach and speaks to the importance of promoting a sense of belonging in the community.

Authors

• Gabriela Gutierrez-Serrano, University of California - Santa Barbara
  Presenting Author

• Diana Chagolla, University of California - Santa Barbara
  Presenting Author

• Diana Magana, University of California - Santa Barbara
  Presenting Author

• Laura F. Romo, University of California - Santa Barbara
  Presenting Author