Embarking on the academic journey is like navigating a complex labyrinth, where success, retention, and mental well-being converge in a delicate dance. In this exploration, we unveil the transformative impact of social connectedness on the academic success of university students. Join us on a motivational journey through diverse studies that illuminate the vital role social bonds play in shaping the student experience.
Third-Year Triumphs: Unveiling the Impact on Retention and Transfer
Studies have unveiled the enduring impact of social connectedness on third-year retention and transfer. It’s not just about academic performance; it’s about fostering a sense of belonging. Academic success is intricately linked to factors like academic self-discipline, pre-college influences, and the thread of social connectedness. Together, they weave a tapestry that propels students toward triumph.
Social Networking Sites: Crafting Life Satisfaction
Dive into the digital realm where Social Networking Sites (SNS) become catalysts for life satisfaction. Research reveals that the way students engage with SNS directly influences their psychological wellbeing. Harnessing the positive aspects of social benefit while avoiding the pitfalls of social overload becomes a key to crafting a fulfilling university experience.
Teacher Education Transformed: The Impact of SNS on Learning
Imagine an online community where teacher education transcends physical boundaries. Social Networking Services (SNS) play a pivotal role in fostering social interaction, igniting learning motivation, and nurturing critical thinking among student teachers. It’s a testament to the transformative power of connectivity in the educational landscape.
Emotional-Social Learning: A Key to Positive Adjustment
The journey of university life comes with its share of adjustments. Research sheds light on the profound relationships between social connectedness, achievement motivation, and emotional-social learning. This dynamic trio emerges as a compass guiding students toward positive adjustment, highlighting its indispensable role in the university context.
Graduate Success Beyond Campus Walls
As we delve into the experiences of graduate students, the importance of addressing social connectedness issues among off-campus scholars becomes evident. Institutions offering distance education programs are challenged to dismantle barriers, ensuring that graduate students feel a sense of community even when physically distant.
Digital Threads of Achievement: Internet, Social Connectedness, and Wellbeing
The digital era weaves its threads into the fabric of university life. Uncover the correlations between internet usage, social connectedness, life contentment, and learning achievement among undergraduates. The findings emphasize the profound impact of technology on student wellbeing and academic success.
Resilience Unveiled: The Power of Positive Psychological Factors
In the face of challenges, positive psychological factors emerge as guardians of resilience. The interplay between self-compassion, social-connectedness, optimism, and psychological resilience becomes a beacon of strength, especially among low-income university students.
Counseling for Connection: Elevating Life Satisfaction
Brief counseling emerges as a powerful tool in increasing social connectedness and life satisfaction among undergraduates. The potential for positive change lies in acknowledging the importance of mental well-being and fostering meaningful connections.
International Bonds: Friendship Networks and Host Country Connections
The study on friendship networks, social connectedness, and homesickness among international students reveals the importance of host country friendships. These bonds not only enhance satisfaction but also alleviate the pangs of homesickness, creating a supportive environment for global learners.
Cultural Threads: Navigating International Student Connectedness
Cultural differences significantly impact the perception of social connectedness among international students. Understanding and embracing these differences become crucial in fostering a sense of belonging and interconnectedness within the diverse student population.
Acculturation and Enculturation: The Balance of Social Connectedness
The exploration of relationships between acculturation, enculturation, social connectedness, and subjective wellbeing among Chinese international students emphasizes the delicate balance needed for positive outcomes. Both mainstream and ethnic social connectedness play pivotal roles in shaping a student’s holistic experience.
Against Discrimination: Social Connectedness as a Shield
A longitudinal study unravels the protective shield of social connectedness, particularly with American students, against the negative effects of discrimination on mental health among Chinese international students. It’s a testament to the resilience that arises when students feel connected and supported.
2022 Vision: A Multidimensional Approach to International Student Connectedness
A literature review provides a 2022 vision, offering a multidimensional view of international student connectedness. Five dimensions – social, cultural, political, place, and translocal – underscore the need for a comprehensive approach to support international students, especially amid the challenges posed by COVID-19.
Addressing Mental Health: Depression, Acculturative Stress, and the Light of Connection
In 2019, a study addressed the shadows of depression, acculturative stress, and the illuminating power of social connectedness among domestic and international students. It reinforces the imperative of addressing acculturative stress and promoting social connectedness to create a brighter, more supportive university environment.
In conclusion, this synthesis unveils the intricate dance between social connectedness and the various dimensions of student wellbeing, academic performance, and adjustment. It’s a call to action for tailored interventions, an acknowledgment of the evolving role of technology, and an appreciation for the diverse cultural tapestry that shapes the university experience. As we move forward, let’s continue to explore the dynamic interplay of social factors, weaving a narrative where every student thrives, connects, and achieves greatness in the higher education landscape. The journey of success begins with the power of connection!
References
Allen, J., Robbins, S. B., Casillas, A., & Oh, I.-S. (2008). Third-year College Retention and Transfer: Effects of Academic Performance, Motivation, and Social Connectedness. Research in Higher Education, 49(7), 647–664. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11162-008-9098-3
Blau, G., DiMino, J., DeMaria, P. A., Beverly, C., Chessler, M., & Drennan, R. (2016). Social connectedness and life satisfaction: Comparing mean levels for 2 undergraduate samples and testing for improvement based on brief counseling. Journal of American College Health, 64(8), 585–592. https://doi.org/10.1080/07448481.2016.1207645
Du, Y., & Wei, M. (2015). Acculturation, Enculturation, Social Connectedness, and Subjective Well-Being Among Chinese International Students. The Counseling Psychologist, 43(2), 299–325. https://doi.org/10.1177/0011000014565712
Ergün Başak, B., & Can, G. (2018). The Relationships Between Self-Compassion, Social-Connectedness, Optimism and Psychological Resilience Among Low-Income University Students. Ilköğretim Online, 766–785. https://doi.org/10.17051/ilkonline.2018.419299
Habibi, A., Mukminin, A., Riyanto, Y., Prasojo, L. D., Sulistiyo, U., Sofwan, M., & Saudagar, F. (2018). Building an Online Community: Student Teachers’ Perceptions on the Advantages of Using Social Networking Services in A Teacher Education Program. The Turkish Online Journal of Distance Education TOJDE, 19(1), 46–61. https://doi.org/10.17718/tojde.382663
Hasnain, A., & Hajek, J. (2022). Understanding international student connectedness. International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 86, 26–35. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijintrel.2021.10.008
Hendrickson, B., Rosen, D., & Aune, R. K. (2011). An analysis of friendship networks, social connectedness, homesickness, and satisfaction levels of international students. International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 35(3), 281–295. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijintrel.2010.08.001
Irani, T. A., Wilson, S. B., Slough, D. L., & Rieger, M. (2014). Graduate Student Experiences On- and Off-campus: Social Connectedness and Perceived Isolation. International Journal of E-Learning & Distance Education, 28(1).
Meng, Q., Zhu, C., & Cao, C. (2018). Chinese international students’ social connectedness, social and academic adaptation: The mediating role of global competence. Higher Education, 75(1), 131–147. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10734-017-0129-x
Nguyen, M., Le, T., & Meirmanov, S. (2019). Depression, Acculturative Stress, and Social Connectedness among International University Students in Japan: A Statistical Investigation. Sustainability (Basel, Switzerland), 11(3), 878-. https://doi.org/10.3390/su11030878
Raza, S. A., Qazi, W., Umer, B., & Khan, K. A. (2020). Influence of social networking sites on life satisfaction among university students: a mediating role of social benefit and social overload. Health Education (Bradford, West Yorkshire, England), 120(2), 141–164. https://doi.org/10.1108/HE-07-2019-0034
Rosenthal, D. A., Russell, J., & Thomson, G. (2007). Social connectedness among international students at an Australian university. Social Indicators Research, 84(1), 71–82. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11205-006-9075-1
Sultan, S., Hussain, I., & Fatima, S. (2020). Social Connectedness, Life Contentment, and Learning Achievement of Undergraduate University Students–Does the Use of Internet Matter?. Bulletin of Education and Research, 42(1), 111-125.
Sun, X., Hall, G. C. N., DeGarmo, D. S., Chain, J., & Fong, M. C. (2021). A Longitudinal Investigation of Discrimination and Mental Health in Chinese International Students: The Role of Social Connectedness. Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology, 52(1), 61–77. https://doi.org/10.1177/0022022120979625
Turki, F. J., Jdaitawi, M., & Sheta, H. (2018). Fostering positive adjustment behaviour: Social connectedness, achievement motivation and emotional-social learning among male and female university students. Active Learning in Higher Education, 19(2), 145–158. https://doi.org/10.1177/1469787417731202