Exploration of Attitudes and Experiences of Young Adults Who Do and Do Not Attend College

Abstract

Personality traits, attitudes, and behavioral intentions of high school seniors prior to attending or not attending institutions of higher education were explored. Because of this age-group’s risk level, variables assessed included historical social/cultural factors, internal/contextual factors, and lifestyle factors potentially associated with violence experiences. Participants were seniors at 24 Kentucky high schools who voluntarily completed surveys. A year later, 2,073 reported whether they attended a 4-year institution (n = 1,038), a 2-year institution (n = 341), or did not attend college (n = 694). The 4-year college attendees reported significantly more protective factors and significantly fewer violence risk factors in high school than peers attending 2-year institutions or not attending college. The 2-year college students largely resembled nonattendees across variables in high school. Traits, behaviors, and attitudes/beliefs occurring prior to young adults’ postsecondary years may not only have potential for predicting post-high school choices but also vulnerability to violence experiences.