Abstract

Appalachian students are underrepresented in existing literature regarding higher education. Central Appalachia also has some of the lowest median household incomes and college attrition rates in the country. Appalachian culture is unique with its collectivistic culture which prioritizes familial bonds. This has previously been found to have an academic impact for Appalachian students. For this study, Appalachian college students at Eastern Kentucky University were recruited to investigate if social versus personal identity had an impact on academic achievement as measured by grade-point average. Resilience levels were also measured to investigate an effect from resilience of students on personal versus social identity. The results indicated that Appalachian college students do have a more collectivistic outlook, with a higher mean social identity score than personal identity score. Social and personal identity did not have an effect on GPA. Resilience levels also did not have an effect on personal or social identity scores. Collectivism in Appalachian college students can be explored in further research and be encouraged in institutions that have serve Appalachian students. An increase in retention and graduation rates can help Appalachia’s residents break cycles of generational poverty and socioeconomic disparity.

Semester/Year of Award

Spring 2024

Mentor

Erin Presley

Mentor Department Affiliation

English

Access Options

Open Access Thesis

Degree Name

Honors Scholars

Degree Level

Bachelors

Department

Psychology

IRB Approval Number (if applicable)

5837

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