Examination of the relationship between anxiety and first generation college students.

Abstract

This study examined the anxiety levels of first generation college students (FGCS) in Project Challenge (a program designed to aid FGCS in college success), FGCS not in Project Challenge and non-first generation college students (non-FGCS). Grade point average was also examined in this study. Participants were 106 undergraduate college students from a Midwestern university. Data collection included demographic information and State-Trait Anxiety Inventories from participants. Results indicated no significant differences in anxiety levels between FGCS not in Project Challenge and FGCS in Project Challenge. Subsequent exploratory analyses removing non-FGCS were conducted and this revealed a statistically significant difference in grade point average between FGCS in Project Challenge (M = 3.11, SD = .58) and FGCS not in Project Challenge (M= 2.71, SD == .72).