Trajectories of Authentic Inner Compass in the College Years: Implications for Psychological Development in China (Poster 31)

• In Event: AERA Poster Session Friday 9:50 a.m.
  In Poster Session: Psychological Well-Being and Coping Mechanisms in Higher Education

Abstract

This research examined the developmental trajectories of the Authentic Inner Compass (AIC) and how the initial levels and change rates of AIC contributed to the psychological functioning among Chinese college students. Participants (N = 998; 63.4% female; Mage = 18.60 years at Wave 1) from seven Chinese public universities reported annually on their AIC through four waves of investigation over the college years. Latent growth analyses indicated a generally declining pattern for AIC development throughout the college years. Students with higher initial levels or faster-increasing rates of AIC obtained greater improvement in psychological functioning over time. These findings underscore the importance of having an AIC for college students and implementing targeted interventions to enhance students’ AIC for universities.

Authors

• Xiting Zhou, Southwestern University of Finance And Economics

• Jun Wei, Tsinghua University