Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Decomposition of gender, self-esteem, social support and family support differentials among university students

  • Original Paper
  • Published:
SN Social Sciences Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Parental education disparities can be directly linked to the environment in which children grow up and attain education. This study focuses on the influence of parental education on university students’ social support and self-esteem. Three thousand five hundred and twelve first-year students in a public university in Malaysia participated in the study. Results of ordinary least squares (OLS) and Probit regression showed direct relationship of the variables. Malaysian–Chinese and Malaysian–Indian students, especially female students of the two mentioned categories whose parents had no tertiary education had significantly lower self-esteem. Technology and engineering students with parents who had no tertiary education received significantly lower family support compared to arts and applied arts students. These results highlight how family background can have a profound impact on children’s educational performances. The implication of this study can be useful for future intervention programs targeting first-generation university students.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

Notes

  1. Also available at: https://firstgen.naspa.org/blog/defining-first-generation accessed on 18th Sep 2020.

  2. See www.ats.ucla.edu/stat/stata/faq/nested_tests.htm for further detail. The results are not shown but are available upon request.

References

  • Aruguete MS (2017) Recognizing challenges and predicting success in first-generation university students. J STEM Educ 18(2):40–44

    Google Scholar 

  • Aspelmeier JE, Love MM, McGill LA, Elliott AN, Pierce TW (2012) Self-esteem, locus of control, college adjustment, and GPA among first- and continuing-generation students: a moderator model of generational status. Res High Educ 53(7):755–781. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11162-011-9252-1

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Azmitia M, Sumabat-Estrada G, Cheong Y, Covarrubias R (2018) “Dropping out is not an option”: how educationally resilient first-generation students see the future. New Dir Child Adolesc Dev 2018(160):89–100

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Becerra MB, Arias D, Cha L, Becerra BJ (2020) Self-esteem among college students: the intersectionality of psychological distress, discrimination and gender. J Public Mental Health. https://doi.org/10.1108/JPMH-05-2020-0033

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Becker MAS, Schelbe L, Romano K, Spinelli C (2017) Promoting first-generation college students’ mental well-being: student perceptions of an academic enrichment program. J College Stud Dev 58(8):1166–1183

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bordes V, Sand JK, Arredondo P, Kurpius SE, Rayle AD (2006) Validation of four measures of social support with Latina/o and non-Hispanic White undergraduates. Hispanic J Behav Sci 28(1):65–83

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Capriccioso R (2006) Aiding first-generation students

  • Chase-Lansdale PL, Sabol TJ, Sommer TE, Chor E, Cooperman AW, Brooks-Gunn J, Morris A (2019) Effects of a two-generation human capital program on low-income parents’ education, employment, and psychological wellbeing. J Fam Psychol 33(4):433

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Checkoway B (2018) Inside the gates: first-generation students finding their way. High Educ Stud. https://doi.org/10.5539/hes.v8n3p72

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Choy S (2001) Students whose parents did not go to college: postsecondary access, persistence, and attainment. Findings from the Condition of Education

  • Covarrubias R, Romero A, Trivelli M (2014) Family achievement guilt and mental well-being of college students. J Child Fam Stud 24(7):2031–2037. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-014-0003-8

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dwyer AL, Cummings AL (2001) Stress, self-efficacy, social support, and coping strategies in university students. Canadian J Couns Psychother 35(3)

  • Eveland TJ (2020) Supporting first-generation college students: analyzing academic and social support’s effects on academic performance. J Fur High Educ 44(8):1039–1051

    Google Scholar 

  • Garriott PO, Nisle S (2018) Stress, coping, and perceived academic goal progress in first-generation college students: the role of institutional supports. J Divers Higher Educ 11(4):436

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Garriott PO, Navarro RL, Flores LY (2017) First-generation college students’ persistence intentions in engineering majors. J Career Assess 25(1):93–106

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gibbons MM, Rhinehart A, Hardin E (2019) How first-generation college students adjust to college. J Coll Stud Retent 20(4):488–510

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gujarati DN, Porter DC (eds) (2003) Basic econometrics. McGrew Hill Book Co., Singapore

    Google Scholar 

  • Hertel JB (2002) College student generational status: similarities, differences, and factors in college adjustment. Psychol Rec 52(1):3–18

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Holmes DL, Slate JR (2017) Differences in GPA by gender and ethnicity/race as a function of first-generation status for community college students. Glob J Hum Soc Sci 17:3

    Google Scholar 

  • House LA, Neal C, Kolb J (2020) Supporting the mental health needs of first generation college students. J Coll Stud Psychother 34(2):157–167

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hsiao K (1992) First-generation college students (ERIC ED351079) ERIC Digest. Office of Educational Research and Improvement. ERIC Clearinghouse Products, Los Angeles, CA

    Google Scholar 

  • Huaqing QC, Kaiser AP (2003) Behavior problems of preschool children from low-income families: Review of the literature. Topics Early Childhood Spec Educ 23(4):188–216

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hyseni Duraku Z, Hoxha L (2018) Self-esteem, study skills, self-concept, social support, psychological distress, and coping mechanism effects on test anxiety and academic performance. Health Psychol Open 5(2):2055102918799963

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jenkins SR, Belanger A, Connally ML, Boals A, Durón KM (2013) First-generation undergraduate students’ social support, depression, and life satisfaction. J Coll Counsel 16(2):129–142

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Keane SP, Calkins SD (2004) Predicting kindergarten peer social status from toddler and preschool problem behavior. J abnormal child psychology, 32(4):409–423

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Keefe KM, Hammersley J, Sizemore S, Bainter G, Najdek R (2020) Presenting symptoms and psychological treatment outcomes among first-generation and non-first-generation college students. J Coll Stud Psychother. https://doi.org/10.1080/87568225.2020.1791775

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Khanal S (2018) Gender discrimination in education expenditure in Nepal: evidence from living standards surveys. Asian Dev Rev 35(1):155–174

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lee C-YS, Goldstein SE (2016) Loneliness, stress, and social support in young adulthood: does the source of support matter? J Youth Adolesc 45(3):568–580

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lim WQ, Lau PL, Razak NAA (2020) Social support among students in a malaysia public university: a preliminary study. JuKu 8(2):27–34

    Google Scholar 

  • Longwell-Grice R, Adsitt NZ, Mullins K, Serrata W (2016) The first ones: three studies on first-generation college students. NACADA J 36(2):34–46

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Luedke CL (2017) Person first, student second: Staff and administrators of color supporting students of color authentically in higher education. J Coll Stud Dev 58(1):37–52

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Margetts K (2005) Children’s adjustment to the first year of schooling: indicators of hyperactivity, internalising and externalising behaviours. Int J Trans Childhood 1:36–44

    Google Scholar 

  • McConnachie C (2017) Equality and unfair discrimination in education. Fish Hodgson, Faranaazh

    Google Scholar 

  • McConnell PJ (2016) ERIC review: what community colleges should do to assist first-generation students. Comm Coll Rev 28(3):75–87

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McCulloh E (2020) An exploration of parental support in the retention of rural first-generation college students. J Coll Stud Retent. https://doi.org/10.1177/1521025120907889

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McGregor LN, Mayleben MA, Buzzanga VL, Davis SF (1991) Selected personality characteristics of first-generation college students. College Student Journal

  • McKenzie K, Schweitzer R (2001) Who succeeds at university? Factors predicting academic performance in first year Australian university students. Higher Educ Res Dev 20(1):21–33

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mitchall AM, Jaeger AJ (2018) Parental influences on low-income, first-generation students’ motivation on the path to college. J Higher Educ 89(4):582–609

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mrozinske EC (2016) Academic and social integration and the moderating effects of student characteristics: A study of first-generation student academic performance (Doctoral dissertation, Indiana State University).

  • Nicpon MF, Huser L, Blanks EH, Sollenberger S, Befort C, Kurpius SER (2006) The relationship of loneliness and social support with college freshmen’s academic performance and persistence. J Coll Stud Retent 8(3):345–358

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Palbusa JA, Gauvain M (2017) Parent–student communication about college and freshman grades in first-generation and non-first-generation students. J Coll Stud Dev 58(1):107–112

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Partida D, Cheong Y, Gauvain M (2020) Role of perceived support from parents and on-and off-campus friends in first-and non-first-generation college students’ life satisfaction. UC Riverside Undergrad Res J 13(1):65–70

    Google Scholar 

  • Rahim AHA, Azman N (2010) Educational aspirations among first-generation students and their parental influence towards pursuing tertiary education. Procedia 7:414–418

    Google Scholar 

  • Ramli NH, Alavi M, Mehrinezhad SA, Ahmadi A (2018) Academic stress and self-regulation among university students in Malaysia: mediator role of mindfulness. Behav Sci 8(1):12

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Reay D, Crozier G, Clayton J (2010) ‘Fitting in’or ‘standing out’: Working-class students in UK higher education. British Educ Res J 36(1):107–124

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Redford J, Mulvaney Hoyer K (2017) First-generation and continuing-generation college students: a comparison of high school and postsecondary experiences

  • Rodríguez MS, Tinajero C, Páramo MF (2017) Pre-entry characteristics, perceived social support, adjustment and academic achievement in first-year Spanish university students: a path model. J Psychol 151(8):722–738

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rodriguez SL, Garbee K, Martínez-Podolsky E (2019) Coping with college obstacles: the complicated role of familia for first-generation Mexican American College Students. J Hispanic Higher Educ. https://doi.org/10.1177/1538192719835683

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Schmitt DP, Allik J (2005) Simultaneous administration of the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale in 53 nations: exploring the universal and culture-specific features of global self-esteem. J Pers Soc Psychol 89(4):623

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shaheen AM, Hamdan KM, Albqoor M, Othman AK, Amre HM, Hazeem MNA (2019) Perceived social support from family and friends and bullying victimization among adolescents. Child Youth Serv Rev 107:104503

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sherina MS, Rampal L, Loh JW, Chan CL, Teh PC, Tan PO (2008) Self-esteem and its associated factors among secondary school students in Klang District, Selangor. Med J Malaysia 63(1):26–30

    Google Scholar 

  • Shultz JJA (2013) How am I going to pay for that?!: first-generation university students and their financial concerns

  • Shumaker SA, Hill DR (1991) Gender differences in social support and physical health. Health Psychol 10(2):102

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Soria KM, Stebleton M (2012) First-generation students’ academic engagement and retention. Teach Higher Educ 17(6):673–685

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Stephens NM, Markus HR, Fryberg SAJP (2012) Social class disparities in health and education: reducing inequality by applying a sociocultural self model of behavior. Psychol Rev 119(4):723

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tam CL, Lim SG (2009) Perceived social support, coping capability and gender differences among young adults. Sunway Acad J 6:75–88

    Google Scholar 

  • Tam CL, Lee TH, Har WM, Pook WL (2011) Perceived social support and self-esteem towards gender roles: contributing factors in adolescents. Asian Soc Sci 7(8):49

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Taylor CA, Liang B, Tracy AJ, Williams LM, Seigle P (2002) Gender differences in middle school adjustment, physical fighting, and social skills: Evaluation of a social competency program. J Primary Prev 23(2):259–272

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • The Coverage Bureau (2015) Malaysia sunway university student tragically commits suicide. Available online: http://thecoverage.my/youth/malaysia-sunwayuniversity-student-tragically-commits-suicide. Accessed 10 April 2016

  • Toutkoushian RK, Paulsen MB (2016) Economics of higher education. Springer 10:978–994

    Google Scholar 

  • Toutkoushian RK, Stollberg RA, Slaton KA (2018) talking’bout my generation: defining" first-generation college students" in higher education research. Teach Coll Rec 120(4):n4

    Google Scholar 

  • Toutkoushian RK, May-Trifiletti JA, Clayton AB (2019) From “first in family” to “first to finish”: does college graduation vary by how first-generation college status is defined? Educ Policy. https://doi.org/10.1177/0895904818823753

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Väisänen S, Pietarinen J, Pyhältö K, Toom A, Soini T (2017) Social support as a contributor to student teachers’ experienced well-being. Res Papers Educ 32(1):41–55

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Vangelisti AL (2009) Challenges in conceptualizing social support. J Soc Person Relation 26(1):39–51. https://doi.org/10.1177/0265407509105520

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wang C-CDC, Castañeda-Sound C (2008) The role of generational status, self-esteem, academic self-efficacy, and perceived social support in college students’ psychological well−being. J Coll Couns 11(2):101–118

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Warburton EC, Bugarin R, Nunez AM (2001) Bridging the gap: academic preparation and postsecondary success of first-generation students. Statistical Analysis Report. Postsecondary Education Descriptive Analysis Reports.

  • Wheeler M (2016) Potential family and mental health considerations for working with first-generation college students exploring careers. Career Plan Adult Dev J 32(1):112–119

    Google Scholar 

  • Xerri MJ, Radford K, Shacklock K (2018) Student engagement in academic activities: a social support perspective. High Educ 75(4):589–605

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zajacova A, Lynch SM, Espenshade TJ (2005) Self-efficacy, stress, and academic success in college. Res higher educ 46(6):677–706

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to express their profound gratitude to the National Higher Education Research Institute, Ministry of Higher Education, Malaysia (NAHERI), Universiti Sains Malaysia for funding this project. A sincere thanks to Miss Delbar Jazayeri for her diligent proofreading of this paper.

Funding

There was funded by National Higher Education Research Institute, Ministry of Higher Education, Malaysia (NAHERI) in Universiti Sains Malaysia.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Clinical Psychology, Medical Faculty, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran

    Seyed Reza Alvani

  2. Faculty of Business, Sohar University, Al Jameah Street, 311, Sohar, Oman

    Seyed Mehrshad Parvin Hosseini

  3. School of Social Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), 11800, Gelugor, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

    Reihaneh Attaran, Intan H. M. Hashim, Norzarina Mohd-Zaharim, Nor Hafizah Selamat & Premalatha Karupiah

Authors
  1. Seyed Reza Alvani
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Seyed Mehrshad Parvin Hosseini
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Reihaneh Attaran
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Intan H. M. Hashim
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Norzarina Mohd-Zaharim
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Nor Hafizah Selamat
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. Premalatha Karupiah
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Seyed Reza Alvani.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Alvani, S.R., Hosseini, S.M.P., Attaran, R. et al. Decomposition of gender, self-esteem, social support and family support differentials among university students. SN Soc Sci 1, 35 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s43545-020-00042-0

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s43545-020-00042-0

Keywords

Search

Navigation