Different by definition: First generation college graduates’ perceptions of family marginalization,resilience,and flourishing in adulthood

Abstract

First-generation college graduates (FGCGs) are inherently different from their family members, due to their unique educational achievement (i.e. having graduated from college). FGCGs may experience family member marginalization, or the communication of difference, disapproval, or exclusion to one or more family members due to their status as “different” from the rest of the family. This study aims to understand the role of family member marginalization in FGCGs’ perceptions of resilience and flourishing in adulthood. Participants (N = 275, 51.6% men, 69.8% White) were based in the U.S. Findings indicate that FGCGs’ perceptions of resilience mediated the negative relationship between family member marginalization and flourishing. Moreover, perceptions of friend support availability moderated the relationship between family member marginalization and resilience, but community support did not. Despite the negative role family member marginalization seems to play, on average FGCGs reported high levels of both resilience and flourishing. Theoretical implications for scholars interested in resilience and family distancing are discussed along with practical implications for FGCGs, student support services, and family members.

Keywords

First-generation college students family member marginalization resilience flourishing friend support perceived support availability

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